Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick
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Northern Ireland Protocol
Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Excerpts(4 years, 6 months ago)
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Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Non-Afl)
My Lords, further to the answers given about the EU office in Belfast, will the Minister specify in exact detail why the Government consider that this office is not necessary, when the British Government have clearly stated that they will facilitate arrangements. Surely, such arrangements equal the need for an office?
Lord True
My Lords, I do not agree that facilitating arrangements, which is what is stated in the protocol, necessarily translates into cement. We are looking for light-touch, easy arrangements. I can only repeat what I have said to the House I believe four times already this evening: the position of the UK Government is that it is not necessary for the implementation of our undertakings under the protocol.