Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Windsor Framework: Labelling Requirements

Wednesday 23 October 2024 · 3 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government decided not to proceed with mandatory "Not for EU" labelling in Great Britain from 1 October 2024.
  • Industry consultation indicated that UK-wide labelling would lead to higher consumer prices.
  • Government aims to ensure goods are not delisted in Northern Ireland and has powers to apply labelling if supply interruptions are evident.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The Northern Ireland protocol has created an economic border between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, imposing EU law which affects the supply of goods to Northern Ireland.

Question

What discussions have been had with Cabinet colleagues on implementing the Windsor framework labelling requirements set out in the 'Safeguarding the Union' Command Paper?

Answer from Hilary Benn

Having carefully considered the results of the consultation with industry, the Government decided not to proceed with mandatory 'Not for EU' labelling in Great Britain from 1 October 2024. Instead, we will take powers necessary to apply such labelling if required to secure supplies in Northern Ireland.

Answered
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Q2 Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim
Northern Ireland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The previous Government signed the Northern Ireland protocol, which has created an economic border between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Labour supported food labelling as a way to avoid supply interruptions.

Question

What is the reason for reneging on the promise of food labelling to avoid supply interruptions? What will trigger its imposition if needed?

Answer from Hilary Benn

Industry consultation indicated that UK-wide labelling would impose huge costs on industry, leading to higher consumer prices. The Government aims to ensure goods are not delisted in Northern Ireland and has taken powers to apply labelling if there is evidence of supply interruptions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific trigger conditions for implementing the labelling requirements were not detailed.

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Q3 Josh Newbury Lab Cannock Chase
Northern Ireland
Context

Businesses in the questioner's constituency face increased red tape and costs when importing or exporting with Northern Ireland.

Question

Can the Secretary of State confirm that he is committed to unfettered access for goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain?

Answer from Hilary Benn

I certainly can confirm that, and it is set out in the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020.

Answered
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