Northern Ireland Protocol: First Treasury Counsel Debate

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Northern Ireland Protocol: First Treasury Counsel

Chris Bryant Excerpts
Thursday 9th June 2022

(2 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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James Cleverly Portrait James Cleverly
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We are taking action in a way that keeps our good friends internationally informed of both what we are doing and why we are doing it. I have had conversations recently with Foreign Ministers and ambassadors in European capital cities, and yesterday I discussed these very issues with the newly appointed ambassador from the US to the Court of St James’s. We take our responsibilities as codified in the Good Friday agreement incredibly seriously, and our international friends and partners know that we do.

Chris Bryant Portrait Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab)
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The thing is, this was all so predictable, was it not? In fact, it was predicted by many people in the House with different views about Brexit. I am sure the Minister will be absolutely furious when he discovers who actually signed the Northern Ireland protocol. Can he tell us whether the Bill will be published before the summer recess? Once it is published, if there is a legal contest, which tribunal or court will be adjudicating on whether it is within international law?

James Cleverly Portrait James Cleverly
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It will be a British Bill, brought forward by Her Majesty’s Government. The Government’s position is that our course of action is lawful under international law.