Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Barriers to Trade

Wednesday 23 October 2024 · 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

  • Josh Newbury asked about steps to remove trade barriers between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
  • Robin Swann raised concern over potential medicine shortages in Northern Ireland due to new labelling requirements.
  • The Secretary of State expressed confidence that companies will meet the new labelling rules in time.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Josh Newbury Lab Cannock Chase
Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from concerns about trade barriers affecting commerce within the UK.

Question

What steps are being taken with Cabinet colleagues to remove barriers to trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain?

Answer from Hilary Benn

The Government are committed to implementing the Windsor framework in good faith, and to protecting Northern Ireland's place in the UK internal market. We continue to take forward policies set out in “Safeguarding the Union”, including most recently the establishment of the independent monitoring panel and the publication of guidance under section 46 of the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps to remove barriers were not detailed.

How: Under Review, Continuing Policies

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Q2 Robin Swann Ulster Unionist Party South Antrim
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

Concerns about medicine shortages in Northern Ireland due to labelling requirements for medicines.

Question

There is concern regarding the supply of medicines to Northern Ireland, with the British Generic Manufacturers Association stating that there will be shortages due to UK-only labelling required. The Government claim the deadline will be met; is the Secretary of State relaxed about continued medicine supply?

Answer from Hilary Benn

It is really important that the medicines that are required continue to be supplied. The industry has had quite a period in which to make arrangements to ensure that the labelling rules are met. I hope that, in the time available, those companies that have not done so will do so.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Confidence level regarding meeting deadlines was not explicitly stated.

How: Industry Has Had Period, Hope Companies Comply

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