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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
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.
He agreed that businesses face customs processes, extra paperwork, and EU-derived rules when moving goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, arguing that Northern Ireland should be fully restored to the UK's internal market. 32% of businesses across the UK will not trade with Northern Ireland, which is considered unfair on consumers in Northern Ireland who cannot access goods from the rest of the UK.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
He highlighted the crisis in the supply of veterinary medicines following Brexit, stressing the need to reduce regulatory burdens on farmers and vets to prevent serious consequences for animal welfare and antimicrobial resistance. Shops in Newtownards have been unable to trade with a certain company across the water due to bureaucracy, affecting their pricing and competitiveness. Nurseries and DIY stores have also faced restrictions, impacting their operations.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
He pointed out that goods from Great Britain entering Northern Ireland are subject to full customs checks, with each item requiring a separate customs code, causing significant delays and paperwork. The FSB has indicated that 32% of small businesses in sectors like retail, plant nurseries, and steel firms in Great Britain are no longer supplying to Northern Ireland, highlighting a significant problem.
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.
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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.