Northern Ireland

Debate between Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee and Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent

Wednesday 27th November 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

I am not sure that is a matter for the Government; rather, it is one for the Labour Party. I am more than happy to have a discussion with the noble Baroness outside the House.

[Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee (Non-Afl)]

My Lords, I refer to my interests in the register and, in particular, my chairmanship of InterTrade UK. The Acts of Union in 1801 were mostly predicated on trade, which is so important for Northern Ireland and, indeed, the four constituent parts of the United Kingdom. Does the noble Baroness therefore share my concern that some small businesses in GB are already saying that they are not going to trade with Northern Ireland because of the EU product safety regulations?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

I look forward to working in the coming months and years with the noble Baroness in her role as chair of InterTrade UK. The updated general product safety regulation largely formalises the reality of how businesses are already operating in the UK. The Department for Business and Trade has been working closely with businesses to help them get ready, and will shortly publish more guidance to support them further. This Government—and I—will keep a close eye on this going forward and continue to help businesses trade freely across the whole United Kingdom.

UK-Scottish Government Relations

Debate between Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee and Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent

Thursday 24th October 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

We are re-establishing the scheme, and data is currently being compiled. I will have to get back to the noble Earl on whether it has reverted to the Cabinet Office.

[Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee (Non-Afl)]

My Lords, quite a few intergovernmental units have been set up recently. The Minister will of course be aware of the east-west council, which was set up under the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper earlier this year. One of those meetings has taken place. Do the Government value the east-west council and the bringing together of the devolved Administrations with Westminster? If so, how frequently will the east-west council meet?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

I thank the noble Baroness for her question. She will be aware that we have a future Question on Safeguarding the Union, and that is when we will give a formal update. Of course we celebrate bringing together all the people who run the nations and regions of the United Kingdom—that is why the Council of the Nations and Regions was convened. It held its first meeting in Scotland, and the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland were present, as were the mayors and those who lead combined authorities. It is devolution in action, with everyone responsible for delivering for the people of the United Kingdom coming together to make sure that it works. I will get back to the noble Baroness about when the next meeting of the east-west council will follow.