Asked by: Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the devolved administrations regarding the removal of COVID-19 restrictions; and what were the outcomes of those discussions.
Answered by Lord True - Shadow Leader of the House of Lords
The UK government has worked closely with the Devolved Administrations throughout the COVID-19 response. While public health is a devolved matter in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, our joint statement last September demonstrates our commitment to seek a coordinated approach where the evidence and the science shows this would save lives or make the response more effective, and work together to protect lives and livelihoods across the UK.
Asked by: Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government when the trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland will be removed.
Answered by Lord Frost
The UK Government has ensured through legislation that there is unfettered access for Northern Ireland businesses to the whole of the UK market. There are therefore no processes in place for goods movements from Northern Ireland to Great Britain.
With regards to the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, the Government recognises the extensive burdens imposed by customs and agrifood processes and checks seemingly required to create a zero-risk approach to protecting the single market.
We are considering our next steps and discussing with all those with an interest. We will set out our approach to Parliament in a considered way shortly.
Asked by: Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will fully end COVID-19 related restrictions in July.
Answered by Lord True - Shadow Leader of the House of Lords
On 12 July, the Government confirmed Step 4 will take place on 19 July.
The Government has announced that we will move to Step 4 of the roadmap on 19 July but that people should remain cautious given the continued risks of the virus. Therefore, while many of the legal restrictions will be lifted, cautious guidance will remain.
Asked by: Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to address the economic impact of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.
Answered by Lord Frost
We have provided extensive support for businesses, including through the Trader Support Service and the Movement Assistance Scheme. We have also invested in promoting growth and opportunities in Northern Ireland, including through £500m of funding for the PEACE Plus programme over seven years and through our £400m New Deal for Northern Ireland.
However, we recognise the significant impact that the Protocol has had on businesses in Northern Ireland, despite the extraordinary efforts they have made to adapt to new requirements. Indeed it is hard to see that the way the Protocol is currently operating can be sustainable for long. That is why we are committed to working urgently and in good faith, through the structures of the Withdrawal Agreement, to find pragmatic ways forward on the issues that have been identified. We hope that, in order for those discussions to make the progress we need, there can be a common sense, risk-based, approach from the EU. We continue to consider all our options in meeting our overriding responsibility for sustaining the peace and prosperity of everyone in Northern Ireland.