Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Exports to Northern Ireland: Businesses in Great Britain

Wednesday 8 December 2021 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • Scott Benton asked about steps to support businesses in Great Britain exporting to Northern Ireland.
  • The Minister stated the government is committed to finding a sustainable solution to issues caused by the protocol.
  • Richard Thomson suggested realigning with the single market and customs union to support trade.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Scott Benton
Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from the need for support for British businesses trading with Northern Ireland, following recent trade issues.

Question

What steps is his Department taking to support businesses in Great Britain which export to Northern Ireland?

Answer from Conor Burns

International trade is vital to boosting prosperity for this country, and trade within the United Kingdom is essential for our sense of connectivity and belonging, which is a priority for this Government.

Not addressed: Steps taken to support businesses

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Q2 Scott Benton
Northern Ireland Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The previous question was about steps to support British businesses exporting to Northern Ireland, prompting a follow-up on the government's actions.

Question

I thank the Minister for his answer and for the steps he is taking to support trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. [Interruption.]

Answer from Conor Burns

The Government have been absolutely clear that we want to find a sustainable and durable solution to the problems created by the protocol. Under the strong leadership of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and Lord Frost's unrivalled grasp of the protocol, we are determined to reach that solution.

Not addressed: Steps taken to support businesses

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Q3 Richard Thomson
Northern Ireland Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The previous questions discussed issues related to protocol and trade, leading to a question about realigning with the single market and customs union.

Question

Would not the best way by far to support east-west trade, and to overcome the entirely self-inflicted wounds that this Government have created with the protocol, be simply to realign with the single market and the customs union?

Answer from Conor Burns

That is so 2016, is it not? SNP Members are still not reconciled to the democratic decision that the British people took to control their own destiny and leave the European Union. We are determined to find a sustainable and durable solution to the protocol, but my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, Lord Frost and the Secretary of State are all clear that if that cannot be achieved, we will take whatever actions are necessary to secure the interests of the whole United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland.

Not addressed: Realigning with single market and customs union

How: Criticising Snp Members

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Q4 Ian Paisley Jnr DUP
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The discussion includes a comparison between the economic situation in the Republic of Ireland post-Brexit and the benefits for Northern Ireland as part of the UK.

Question

The Irish Times carries a piece that states that the Republic of Ireland now has the highest debt in all of Europe and 20% higher costs of living than Northern Ireland, and it now requires a multibillion-pound bailout from Europe to deal with the consequences of Brexit. Is it not the case that, by contrast, Northern Ireland is part of the fifth largest economy in the world, and that not only is it part of a strong and growing economy, but it requires the friction that exists between businesses in Northern Ireland and GB to be removed? Invoking article 16 will allow that friction to be removed.

Answer from Conor Burns

We do not need any international comparisons to sell the benefits of Northern Ireland being an integral part of our United Kingdom. It is good for jobs, it is good for health and it is good for prosperity. We are definitely better together.

Not addressed: Invoking Article 16

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