UK Internal Market Bill Effect on the Union 2020-09-30
2020-09-30
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK Internal Market Bill is under scrutiny, particularly its potential impact on Northern Ireland's place in the Union.
What discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential effect of the UK Internal Market Bill on Northern Ireland's place in the Union?
The Secretary of State and I regularly meet Cabinet and ministerial colleagues across Government on this point, including through the Cabinet Committee on Union policy implementation, which is driving forward the Government's Union strategy. The UK's internal market has functioned seamlessly for centuries and we will ensure that it continues to thrive.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide specific details about the discussions or measures taken regarding Northern Ireland.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Trade between Wrexham and Northern Ireland is vital for the local economy, with Holyhead port playing a crucial role.
Will the Minister give reassurances that from January seamless trade around the UK will continue as it is essential to our Union's growth and prosperity?
Yes, I can. That is why the Government are very pleased that the Bill has completed its passage through the House this week. The provisions in the Bill ensure that there will be no new checks, controls or administrative processes on goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain and provide a power for Ministers to disapply or modify the requirement for export declarations or other export procedures on such movements.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Business groups are waiting for answers on how the protocol will work, and there is concern about the lack of a border operating model.
Why is a coalition of business groups still waiting for answers on 60 of the 67 basic questions put to the Secretary of State in June? Why is there no border operating model? Is it time for both the EU and the UK to act in Northern Ireland's interests?
The hon. Lady rightly calls for certainty, but it is essential that we deliver on the protocol and deliver certainty for businesses. The steps taken in the UK Internal Market Bill help us do so. I am not going to take lectures on upholding the integrity of our Union from a party that refuses to rule out backing a divisive second independence referendum in Scotland.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer diverts attention from addressing business groups' concerns and focuses on Labour's stance on Scottish independence.
Attacking The Opposition
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Criticism from former Prime Ministers, Northern Ireland party leaders, and legal authorities highlights concerns about undermining public confidence in the legal system.
Does the Lord Chief Justice's comment that the threat to break the law may have undermined public confidence in the legal system concern the Minister? Do they now regret comments made by the Secretary of State?
We have been repeatedly clear through the passage of the Bill that we are respecting and delivering on the protocol. We remain absolutely committed to the peace process, the Good Friday agreement and to acting within the UK's constitutional set-up, and that is what we will continue to do.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not address any specific concerns or actions regarding the Lord Chief Justice's statement.
Response accuracy