Northern Ireland Protocol Bill

Debate between Elizabeth Truss and Karin Smyth

2nd reading
Monday 27th June 2022 Commons Chamber

[Karin Smyth (Bristol South) (Lab)]

Will the Secretary of State give way?

[Elizabeth Truss]

Perhaps the hon. Lady can give us an idea about her alternative plan.

[Karin Smyth]

Over the past six years, I have given several alternatives, including as a shadow Minister. The Secretary of State talks about the institutions. Can she give the House the details of the agreement she has secured from the political parties in Northern Ireland that they will return to Stormont on the completion of the Bill—or on the completion of Second Reading, at any point during the Committee stage, or on Third Reading? What in the Bill has secured that? What role is there for anybody in Northern Ireland, given that the powers go to the Minister of the Crown?

[Elizabeth Truss]

I note that the hon. Lady has not come up with any alternatives to the Bill to move the situation forward. The approach we have taken, with the four areas that I am talking through, is to identify what the practical problems are for the people of Northern Ireland and to come up with solutions that address those problems while protecting the EU single market. It is our expectation that the passage of the Bill will result in the institutions being re-established.