Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Northern Ireland Protocol

Wednesday 7 September 2022 · 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

  • Christine Jardine asked about recent discussions with Northern Ireland political parties on the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill.
  • The Minister stated they would be speaking to Northern Ireland party leaders this week on the protocol and urging the formation of an Executive.
  • Christine Jardine inquired about ensuring equal consultation with each party regarding the protocol's importance.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Northern Ireland
Context

The question stems from concerns about the unequal consultation process regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill. The Alliance Party leader has claimed that only the Democratic Unionist party was consulted on the drafting of the bill.

Question

What recent discussions have you had with representatives of political parties in Northern Ireland on the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I thank the hon. Lady for her question. I will be speaking to each of the Northern Ireland party leaders this week on a number of issues, including the protocol and urging them to form an Executive as soon as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific concern about unequal consultation was not addressed directly; instead, there is a general commitment to speak with all parties.

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Q2 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Northern Ireland
Context

The question addresses the claim that only the Democratic Unionist party was consulted on drafting the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, emphasizing its significance to the UK-EU relationship and the people of Northern Ireland.

Question

Given the crucial importance of the protocol to our future relationship with Europe, to the United Kingdom and to the people of Northern Ireland, will you do everything that you can to ensure that each party is consulted equally?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

Forgive me, but I do not think that that is completely correct, because all parties were consulted during the process—but yes, I will talk to everybody as I move forward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The initial claim about unequal consultation was disputed without providing concrete evidence or specifics about past consultations. The follow-up commitment is vague.

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