Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Leaving the EUNorthern Ireland Protocol: Haulage Industry

Wednesday 27 October 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The government has introduced solutions to ease pressures on the haulage industry across the UK.
  • The UK Government insists on practical considerations rather than ideological demands in negotiations.
  • Haulage association representatives prefer the UK's proposals outlined in the Command Paper.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Patricia Gibson SNP
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The question arises due to supply chain issues faced by the haulage industry in Northern Ireland, exacerbated by leaving the EU and the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol.

Question

What recent assessment his Department has made of the impact of the UK leaving the EU and the Northern Ireland protocol on the haulage industry in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

Many supply chain issues are common across the UK, with a shortage of HGV drivers in all sectors. The government has introduced solutions to ease pressures across the country and is engaged in discussions with the EU to resolve current issues caused by the protocol's application.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide a recent departmental assessment as requested, instead referencing general supply chain issues and ongoing discussions.

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Q2 Patricia Gibson SNP
Northern Ireland
Context

Logistics UK, representing 400 haulage operators in Northern Ireland responsible for 90% of goods transferred across the Irish Sea, welcomed EU proposals as a positive step. However, there is confusion over why the UK Government has not accepted these proposals.

Question

Why have the UK Government refused to accept those proposals and instead insisted on sinking the negotiations with ideological demands rather than practical considerations?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

I need to correct the hon. Lady's misunderstanding: the haulage association representatives met on Friday and are clear that the EU proposal does not work and is insufficient; they prefer what we outlined in the Command Paper, which focuses on resolving issues raised by the industry.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer clarifies the government's position but does not directly address why they have refused to accept EU proposals.

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