← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
UK Internal Market
22 July 2025
Lead MP
Sammy Wilson
East Antrim
DUP
Responding Minister
Justin Madders
Tags
EconomyNorthern IrelandBrexit
Word Count: 8699
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
Sammy Wilson raised concerns about uk internal market in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Sammy Wilson asks the Government to address the negative impact on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, noting that only 2% of surveyed companies reported any positive benefits from the Windsor framework.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The Federation of Small Businesses report found that the Windsor framework is not protecting the UK internal market, resulting in considerable barriers for businesses trading with Northern Ireland. Statistics show that 34% of small businesses have abandoned trade with Northern Ireland due to increased costs and bureaucracy.
Alex Easton
Ind
North Down
Describes the impact of SPS regulations on food supply, mentioning four loads being turned back and one-sixth of a lorry-driving business affected. Highlights personal experiences with supermarket shortages in his constituency.
Andrew Griffith
Con
Arundel and South Downs
Acknowledged challenges but supported efforts towards improving arrangements within the UK internal market, highlighting the importance of unity and practical solutions like trusted trader schemes.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Critiques the Windsor framework as a bureaucratic burden that creates trading barriers, citing examples such as forestry business delays, children’s boutique facing heavy duty invoices, and used agricultural machinery being turned away at ports.
Clive Jones
LD
Wokingham
Emphasized that small businesses in Northern Ireland face severe challenges due to increased paperwork and lack of clarity on dual market access. Urged for a closer relationship with the EU to solve skills shortages.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
The protocol is delivering an all-Ireland economy as intended by the EU, resulting in a significant diversion of Northern Irish trade towards the Republic of Ireland. This is contrary to the UK Internal Market Act 2020 and the Government's supposed commitment under article 16. Asked the Minister if he would give way.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Highlights the barriers that the Windsor framework imposes on businesses in Northern Ireland, using examples like Morris & Son Ltd's inability to comply with additional protocols due to small product margins and the impact on low-income households.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Questions the practical implications of the Windsor framework, citing Lord Paul Murphy’s report delay and the impact of 'Not for EU' labelling on small businesses. Mentions a FSB report indicating widespread trade disruption with 34% of respondents ceasing trading.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Disagreed with the Minister, stating that free movement of goods is not happening and that the internal market is being disrupted due to new labelling requirements and EU export controls.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Sir John Hayes agrees with Sammy Wilson's concerns about the impact of EU rules on UK businesses, highlighting an 'unholy alliance' between Eurocrats and bureaucrats that harms small and medium-sized enterprises.
Government Response
Justin Madders
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Government Response
Announced a review of the UK Internal Market Act, published a public consultation, and stated that they would not repeal any part of the Act as it contains important provisions relating to the Windsor framework. Emphasised the Government's commitment to upholding Northern Ireland’s place in the UK internal market and supporting businesses across all sectors with the market access principles. Acknowledged concerns about the operation of the UK internal market and announced changes and improvements based on business feedback. Highlighted the importance of ensuring that the right advice and guidance is available to businesses, including working with organisations like the Federation of Small Businesses moving forward. Defended the Secretary of State's commitment, discussed issues with the duty reimbursement scheme, addressed concerns over custard labels, and emphasised ongoing work to protect the UK’s internal market.
▸
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.