Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Windsor Framework: Economic Competitiveness

Wednesday 22 March 2023 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Windsor framework restores free trade from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and guarantees Northern Ireland businesses permanent access to the UK market.
  • Northern Ireland's businesses and consumers benefit from new trade agreements outside the EU.
  • A grace period on veterinary medicines for Northern Ireland is in place until December 2025.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Anum Qaisar
Economy Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The question arises from concerns about the economic competitiveness differences between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK under the new trade arrangements.

Question

Whether he has made a comparative assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of the Windsor framework on economic competitiveness in (a) Northern Ireland and (b) the rest of the UK.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The Windsor framework restores the free flow of trade from Great Britain to Northern Ireland through a green lane, guarantees Northern Ireland businesses unfettered access to the UK market on a permanent basis, and offers a whole host of other benefits.

Partly answered

Not addressed: (a) specific impact comparison between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK; (b) details about economic competitiveness

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Q2 Martyn Day SNP
Economy Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The Prime Minister described Northern Ireland as 'the world's most exciting economic zone' due to its position in both the UK and EU markets, raising concerns about a competitive disadvantage for other parts of the UK.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree with the assessment that Northern Ireland is the world's most exciting economic zone, given its unique access to both UK and EU markets? If so, does this imply that the rest of the UK is at a disadvantage?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I thank the hon. Gentleman for acknowledging what a good deal the Windsor framework is. As part of the UK, Northern Ireland's businesses and consumers are able to benefit from new trade agreements outside the EU.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific disadvantage for other parts of the UK due to Northern Ireland's unique position

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Q3 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Economy Northern Ireland
Context

The Prime Minister stated that more companies would invest in Northern Ireland due to its position, potentially reducing investments elsewhere in the UK.

Question

By the Secretary of State's and the Prime Minister's own admission, Northern Ireland is better placed economically than the rest of the UK because of its access to the EU single market. If companies are investing more in Northern Ireland, they will invest less in other parts of the UK. Would that be seen as a win-win situation?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

There is a huge amount of inward investment flowing into Northern Ireland from outside these isles, and prosperity builds on the peace and stability that the Belfast/Good Friday agreement has brought. That is why we should welcome the Windsor framework.

Partly answered

Not addressed: direct comparison between economic impact in Northern Ireland versus rest of UK

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Q4 Anum Qaisar
Northern Ireland Scotland Brexit
Context

Scotland voted to remain in the EU, as did Northern Ireland. However, only Northern Ireland retains access to the EU single market.

Question

Scotland, like Northern Ireland, rejected Brexit. Both were dragged out of the EU despite voting to remain. Yet Northern Ireland has retained access to the EU single market and economic benefits it brings. Should Scotland have a similar deal?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

With the greatest respect, the positions of Northern Ireland and other UK nations are not comparable due to unique historical and geographical factors. The Windsor framework addresses these specific circumstances and safeguards achievements from the Belfast/Good Friday agreement.

Not addressed: specific economic deal for Scotland similar to Northern Ireland's arrangement

How: Unique Historical Context Of Northern Ireland

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Q5 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Northern Ireland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Concerns about the supply of veterinary medicines and safe movement of animals post-Brexit.

Question

Can my right hon. Friend update the House on progress towards securing long-term supply of veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland, and smoothing the safe movement of animals between GB and NI?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

A grace period on veterinary medicines is in place until December 2025. The new atmosphere between the UK and EU allows us to negotiate and address concerns in good time regarding veterinary medicines and animal movement.

Answered
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