Northern Ireland Protocol: Implementation Proposals

Baroness Goudie Excerpts

Thursday 19th November 2020 Lords Chamber

[Lord True (Con)]

I certainly agree on the importance of clarity. As I have said, certain matters are still under discussion in the joint committee, but the Government have already issued 25 documents of sectoral guidance. We are actively engaged with business in Northern Ireland and we attach the highest importance to these points.

[Baroness Goudie (Lab) [V]]

This situation threatens the rights and equality clauses in the Belfast agreement, because European law has long been crucial to support those rights. At the time of the Belfast agreement, it was guaranteed that there would be no diminution of such rights as a result of Brexit. These rights are also threatened with regard to Britain’s future membership of the European Convention on Human Rights. In addition, the UK Government’s lack of commitment to guaranteed labour, anti-discrimination and environmental rights in Northern Ireland equal to those enjoyed during the EU membership suggests that they are also under threat.

[Lord True (Con)]

I disagree with the noble Baroness. The Government are committed to human rights principles and to the maintenance of the Good Friday agreement.