Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

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

2026-07-08

View full transcript on Parliament.uk -->
TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Sammy Wilson DUP
East Antrim
▸ 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.
What discussions has he had with representatives of the logistics industry on the cost of trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland?
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.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details or commitments on addressing the financial burdens mentioned by the MP.
Changed Subject To General Discussions Rather Than Concrete Measures.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Sammy Wilson DUP
East Antrim
▸ 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.
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?
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.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific ask for concrete measures and instead defended current policies and their impact on Northern Ireland's economy.
Deflected By Highlighting A Different Perspective, Questioning The Mp'S Position.
Response accuracy