← Back to Westminster Hall Debates

Goods Trading: Great Britain and Northern Ireland

15 September 2026

Lead MP

Jim Allister
North Antrim
TUV

Responding Minister

Chris McDonald

Tags

EconomyNorthern IrelandBrexitBusiness & Trade
Word Count: 3993
Other Contributors: 3

At a Glance

Jim Allister raised concerns about goods trading: great britain and northern ireland in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

Allister asks the Government to implement Article 16 of the Windsor framework in response to the demonstrated trade diversion, and to address the issues that are undermining the UK's internal market and economic links.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

North Antrim
Opened the debate
Jim Allister is concerned about the adverse impact of the Windsor framework on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. He points out that the framework requires Northern Ireland to adhere to the EU's customs union, creating an international customs border that adversely affects trade. He cites a 75% decline in goods transported from GB to Northern Ireland by GB-registered vehicles over four years, highlighting the detrimental economic impact on businesses and consumers. He also mentions that 34% of GB companies that used to trade with Northern Ireland have ceased trading due to the increased paperwork and checking.

Government Response

Chris McDonald
Government Response
It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair, Dame Siobhain. I congratulate the hon. and learned Member for North Antrim on securing this important debate. The Government remain fully committed to unfettered access for qualifying Northern Ireland goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, and recognise the importance of the UK internal market for Northern Ireland, which accounts for around a quarter of Northern Ireland's economic output. The Office for the Internal Market highlights the importance of the internal market and of the sales to the rest of the United Kingdom, equivalent to around a quarter of Northern Ireland's economic output in 2021. In 2024, Great Britain accounted for 52% of Northern Ireland's trade in goods. The Government are wholly committed to the Windsor framework, which supports the peace and prosperity brought by the Good Friday agreement. Over 15,000 traders are now signed up to the UK internal market scheme, and more than 1,100 operators are registered for the Northern Ireland retail movement scheme and the Northern Ireland plant health label. The Government are taking action to strengthen our offer, including the £16.6 million regulatory support service to provide clear and targeted support to help businesses to trade across the UK and EU markets. Sales from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK reached £10.9 billion in 2024, up by 0.8% on 2023. The UK internal market is expanding, not shrinking, and the Government are committed to the Union and the economic prosperity of Northern Ireland.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.