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Horticulture Trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland
25 March 2025
Lead MP
Gregory Campbell
East Londonderry
DUP
Responding Minister
Fleur Anderson
Tags
EconomyNorthern IrelandBrexit
Word Count: 4041
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Gregory Campbell raised concerns about horticulture trade between great britain and northern ireland in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government needs to make progress on outstanding problems so that a simpler system is in place to enable people of all backgrounds to purchase goods within their own country. The current situation threatens the sustainability of tree nurseries, employment, and rehabilitation efforts for inmates.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The horticultural sector supports over 700,000 jobs across the UK. The original protocol agreement presented substantial difficulties for horticultural businesses in GB when supplying Northern Ireland. Although there have been some improvements, these do not get us where we need to be and only pick at a scab that remains intact.
Alex Easton
Ind
North Down
The sixfold burden on horticultural trade is imposing an untenable strain on businesses across Northern Ireland. The inability to bring saplings from UK suppliers threatens the sustainability of tree nurseries, employment, and rehabilitation efforts.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
East Londonderry
The MP noted that Northern Ireland has been left outside the UK’s plant health area, leading to compliance issues with EU rules. She mentioned that many native British trees are not available in NI and criticised the protocol and Windsor framework for failing the horticultural sector. Asked the Minister to visit a potato producer in her constituency experiencing daily problems with seed and ware potatoes from Scotland.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Westminster North
Expressed willingness to address practical issues and meet business leaders; discussed ongoing work of the horticultural working group. Thanked the right hon. Member for raising the SPS veterinary agreement, noting it is an important part of resolving issues with the EU and supporting economic growth.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Asked the Minister to ensure that the frustrations of Northern Irish businesses are addressed in upcoming reviews and negotiations.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Consumers in Northern Ireland are still finding it impossible to procure seeds for plants that pose no risk to the EU. The Government must negotiate with those who refuse a common-sense approach. The MP mentioned that his constituency lost a large number of trees due to recent storms and highlighted the inability to access replacement trees from within Northern Ireland. He agreed with Mr Campbell's concerns about ongoing problems in horticultural trade.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Colemans Garden Centre in South Antrim faces bureaucratic hurdles when trying to import plants from Scotland, easier for that supplier to send plants to Japan than to Northern Ireland.
Government Response
Fleur Anderson
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged the work done by Mr Campbell as a strong advocate for businesses and consumers in NI. She highlighted that leaving the EU has resulted in two trading entities with different rules, impacting horticultural goods trade. The Minister noted the importance of recognising the island of Ireland as one single epidemiological unit and stressed the need to seek solutions constructively. Discussed ongoing efforts by the horticultural working group to address practical issues; mentioned lifting bans on plant species and reviewing guidance with industry representatives.
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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.