Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Trade Costs 2026-07-08

Wednesday 8 July 2026 · 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sammy Wilson inquired about discussions with logistics industry representatives regarding trade costs between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
  • Wilson questioned the impact of EU arrangements and net zero policies on the logistics industry in Northern Ireland.
  • The minister mentioned applying a carbon charge to boat movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, similar to charges applied between Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The MP is concerned about the financial burden on the logistics industry in Northern Ireland caused by trade arrangements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland post-Brexit.

Question

What discussions has he had with representatives of the logistics industry on the cost of trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland?

Answer from Hilary Benn

I regularly meet representatives of the logistics sector and businesses trading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland—for instance, through the Northern Ireland business stakeholders group—to discuss how we can make the Windsor framework operate as smoothly as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details or commitments on addressing the financial burdens mentioned by the MP.

How: Changed Subject To General Discussions Rather Than Concrete Measures.

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Q2 Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim
Climate Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The MP highlights the significant financial strain placed on Northern Ireland's logistics sector due to increased trade costs, delays, empty container returns from Great Britain, and new carbon taxes.

Question

Does he recognise that this industry is important to Northern Ireland, and being strangled by EU arrangements and net zero policies? What steps does he intend to take to address those issues?

Answer from Hilary Benn

In respect of the EU emissions trading system, yes, we are applying a carbon charge to boat movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland—the same charge that is being applied between Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. The purpose of that is to ensure that the carbon border adjustment mechanism does not hit businesses in Northern Ireland, which the right hon. Gentleman would be very cross about if it were to be the case.

Not addressed: Did not address the specific ask for concrete measures and instead defended current policies and their impact on Northern Ireland's economy.

How: Deflected By Highlighting A Different Perspective, Questioning The Mp'S Position.

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