Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Relations with Ireland

Wednesday 24 July 2024 · 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 2 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister met with the Tnaiste Michel Martin in Hillsborough to discuss strengthening UK-Ireland relations.
  • Prime Minister and Taoiseach held a bilateral meeting ahead of a European event.
  • Annual summit between the Prime Minister and Taoiseach has been agreed upon.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Emily Darlington Lab Milton Keynes Central
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from the need to strengthen UK-Ireland relations following Brexit and its impacts.

Question

Whether he has had discussions with the Irish Government on UK-Ireland relations. A fortnight ago, I met the Tánaiste Micheál Martin in Hillsborough, where we discussed strengthening relations between our two Governments, given the importance of our relationship with Ireland. The Prime Minister and the Taoiseach also held a bilateral meeting ahead of the European Political Community meeting last week.

Answer from Hilary Benn

A fortnight ago, the Minister and I met the Tánaiste Micheál Martin in Hillsborough, where we discussed strengthening relations between our two Governments, given the importance of our relationship with Ireland. The Prime Minister and the Taoiseach also held a bilateral meeting ahead of the European Political Community meeting last week.

Answered
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Q2 Allison Gardner Lab Stoke-on-Trent South
Northern Ireland Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The question pertains to how UK-Ireland relations can be improved for businesses, specifically mentioning Duchess China based in the constituency.

Question

Duchess China, which I believe are the suppliers of your excellent commemorative china service, Mr Speaker, is based in my constituency. The Republic of Ireland is an important export market for the company, and Northern Ireland is an important part of its domestic market. How will relations across the Irish sea and the Northern Ireland-Ireland border be enhanced for the benefit of companies such as Duchess China?

Answer from Hilary Benn

I congratulate my hon. Friend on the company that she mentioned and the products that it produces. We are committed to protecting the integrity of the UK internal market, so that great firms in Great Britain and in Northern Ireland are able to sell right across the United Kingdom and internationally.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific details on how relations will be enhanced for businesses like Duchess China

How: We Are Committed To

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Q3 Emily Darlington Lab Milton Keynes Central
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The question concerns the reduction of barriers to trade for small and medium-sized businesses in Milton Keynes following Brexit.

Question

I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his position, and I hope that he will be able to rebuild those relations that were strained through the Brexit process. Small and medium-sized business in Milton Keynes Central have gone under because of the additional paperwork and restrictions caused by our strained relations with the EU. Will he confirm that he is talking to the Irish Government and others about how to reduce those barriers to trade?

Answer from Hilary Benn

There is no doubt that the change in our trading relationship with the European Union has brought additional costs and paperwork for businesses, whether they are selling to the EU or into Northern Ireland. The Windsor framework is the means by which we are trying to manage that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific confirmation of talks with Irish Government about reducing barriers

How: We Are Committed

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Q4 Simon Hoare Con North Dorset
Northern Ireland
Context

The question asks about the Secretary of State's role in ensuring regular dialogue between Prime Minister and Taoiseach.

Question

The Anglo-Irish agreement is absolutely vital, and the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach is to be welcomed. Prime Ministers' diaries become very full; will the Secretary of State use his good offices to ensure that that dialogue between Taoiseach and Prime Minister continues to build on that relationship to see it flourish still further?

Answer from Hilary Benn

I can indeed give that assurance. My right hon. and learned Friend the Prime Minister has agreed there will be an annual summit.

Answered
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Q5 Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry
Northern Ireland
Context

The question highlights the importance of maintaining UK context to preserve the lives and diversity of people in Northern Ireland.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree with me that it is important that, in discussions with the Irish Government, they understand that the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland, whether they consider themselves to be British, Irish or Northern Irish, can see that it is the United Kingdom context that allows them that diversity, and that improving the lives of present generations is the best way to preserve the lives of everyone for the future?

Answer from Hilary Benn

I join the hon. Gentleman in that commitment to improving the lives of the people of Northern Ireland. As a Government, we are committed to working on that with him and all his colleagues in Northern Ireland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific agreement or disagreement with maintaining UK context

How: We Are Committed

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