European Union: Court of Justice

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Excerpts

Wednesday 26th February 2025 Lords Chamber

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

The Government, as we were clear in our manifesto, are committed to pursuing an SPS agreement that could reduce trade friction and bring benefits to both the UK and the EU. The UK and the EU are like-minded partners with similarly high standards. We have been clear that an SPS agreement could boost trade and deliver benefits on both sides. I hope that reassures the noble Lord.

[Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Lab)]

My Lords, as part of the discussions on the reset, will my noble friend the Minister, along with her ministerial colleagues, ensure that discussions take place about reducing the democratic deficit that is felt in Northern Ireland, and that public representatives—namely, MLAs—will be able to have at least observer status on the large number of committees between the UK and the EU as part of the TCA?

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

I thank my noble friend for her question. If she is happy to discuss this further, I would be happy to have a meeting with her to discuss how we might make it work.