Oral Answers to Questions

Alasdair McDonnell Excerpts

Thursday 9th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

The hon. Lady makes very important points, but this Government have already demonstrated their commitment to supporting the agriculture industry by supporting common agricultural policy pillar 1 until 2020 and giving support for pillar 2. On tariffs, as she will know, this Government aim to achieve the best possible free trade agreement with the continuing European Union and to ensure that whatever customs arrangements are put in place are frictionless and for the benefit of both Britain and the EU.

[Dr Alasdair McDonnell (Belfast South) (SDLP)]

16. What discussions has the Minister had with the Government of the Republic of Ireland on the free movement of goods? That will be a particularly important issue for the agricultural sector after the UK exits the EU, because many farms in Northern Ireland straddle the border and much of the produce of those farms transits the border a number of times—for example, milk sometimes crosses it five times.

[Mr Jones]

The hon. Gentleman raises an extremely important point that is at the forefront of the Government’s mind—in fact, the Prime Minister has discussed this very issue with the Taoiseach. Indeed, all the Ministers in the DEXEU team have had similar discussions, and I have had very recent discussions with representatives of the Irish Government too.

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[Dr Alasdair McDonnell (Belfast South) (SDLP)]

T3. The Secretary of State will be aware that the principle of consent was the cornerstone of our Good Friday agreement and settlement in Northern Ireland. What assessment has he made of the Taoiseach’s comments recently in Brussels when he said that that consent principle would have to be embedded in any future agreement between the UK and the EU?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (Mr Robin Walker)]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for inviting me to speak to the London Irish Construction Network, which is an opportunity to stand alongside a Republic of Ireland Minister and show the commitment from both sides to the Belfast agreement and the common travel area. We remain absolutely committed to the Belfast agreement and all its successors, including the principle of consent.