First elected: 4th July 2024
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
Apply for the UK to join the European Union as a full member as soon as possible
Gov Responded - 19 Nov 2024 Debated on - 24 Mar 2025 View Jim Allister's petition debate contributionsI believe joining the EU would boost the economy, increase global influence, improve collaboration and provide stability & freedom. I believe that Brexit hasn't brought any tangible benefit and there is no future prospect of any, that the UK has changed its mind and that this should be recognised.
Don't change inheritance tax relief for working farms
Gov Responded - 5 Dec 2024 Debated on - 10 Feb 2025 View Jim Allister's petition debate contributionsWe think that changing inheritance tax relief for agricultural land will devastate farms nationwide, forcing families to sell land and assets just to stay on their property. We urge the government to keep the current exemptions for working farms.
These initiatives were driven by Jim Allister, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.
A Bill to make provision to modify the effect on domestic law of arrangements relating to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU; and for connected purposes.
Quantitative Easing (Prohibition) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Rupert Lowe (Ind)
The Terms of Reference of the Review clearly state that the Secretariat arrangements provided to it should operate with full regard to the independence of the Review. It has remained a matter for the Reviewer to fulfil those Terms of Reference and reach their conclusions and recommendations independently of Government.
The new Windsor Framework customs arrangements introduced on 1 May will remain in place, in addition to the arrangements agreed in the SPS deal. The arrangements introduced on May 1 ensure that goods sent to or from consumers will not be subject to customs declarations or duty. The Government has also introduced a range of schemes to support businesses by removing unnecessary checks and paperwork; over 10,000 businesses are already signed up to the UK Internal Market Scheme.
The new UK-EU Common Understanding agrees to remove a broad and wide-ranging set of requirements for sanitary and phytosanitary goods and plants moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
When implemented, there will be no need for SPS paperwork such as health certificates to move agrifood or plant products to Northern Ireland, no mandatory identity or physical checks on those goods, no need for Plant Health Labels when moving plants for planting, seed potatoes, and used agricultural machinery, and no bans on ‘high risk’ plants.
The continued application of the Windsor Framework would provide for Northern Ireland maintaining its privileged unique dual access to both the European Union Single Market and the United Kingdom internal market.
The Government has agreed in its new Common Understanding with the EU a new SPS agreement which makes it easier for food and drink to be imported and exported by reducing the red tape that placed burdens on businesses and led to lengthy lorry queues at the border. This agreement will have no time limit, giving vital certainty to businesses.
The SPS Agreement will facilitate the smooth flow of agrifood and plants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, protecting the UK’s internal market, reducing costs for businesses and improving consumer choice by applying a consistent regulatory framework for official controls across the United Kingdom.
There will be no need for SPS paperwork such as health certificates to move agrifood or plant products to Northern Ireland, no mandatory identity and physical checks on those goods, no need for Plant Health Labels when moving plants for planting, seed potatoes, and used agricultural machinery, and no bans on ‘high risk’ plants.
This will depend on the final shape of a deal, however, the Government is clear that its priority is to reduce barriers to trade and red tape at the border.
As set out in my response to your question of October 2024, the Government continues to evaluate the implications of Regulation 2023/2411, reflecting the applicability motion vote in the Northern Ireland Assembly and the conditions set out in Schedule 6B of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
The Veterinary Medicines Working Group consists of political and industry representatives and veterinary experts and plays a critical role in advising the Government on its plans to safeguard the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland. The Government re-established the Working Group shortly after the elections and it has met twice so far (on 11 September and 21 November) with a third meeting scheduled for 4 March.
In November, the government announced that thirty eight individuals would be honoured with the Elizabeth Emblem. None were related to Northern Ireland in this first announcement but I understand that several cases from Northern Ireland are currently being processed for a future announcement.
Elizabeth Emblem nominations can only be made by the next-of-kin of the deceased individual. It is, however, open to them to seek the help of an appropriate organisation when completing the form. Organisations may also approach them to suggest that an application be made.
To date, 38 of the 187 nominations across the United Kingdom have been related to Northern Ireland.
We do not routinely publish this data, as has been the case under successive administrations. All Business Units within the Cabinet Office have a responsibility to carefully manage official hospitality costs and demonstrate good value for money.
Details of ministerial and senior official hospitality are published on a quarterly basis, and are available on GOV.UK.
The Government continues to evaluate the implications of Regulation 2023/2411, reflecting the applicability motion vote in the Northern Ireland Assembly and the conditions set out in Schedule 6B of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
The UK and EU regularly engage on the Windsor Framework and shared priorities, including the issue of deforestation. As was confirmed in the response to question UIN4798 on 16th September, Ministers are currently considering our approach to those matters, noting also that the EU Commission has proposed to delay the implementation deadlines by 12 months to 30 December 2025. Whilst official level engagement between the UK and EU is confidential, both the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee and its Specialised Committees publish details of their meetings and decisions.
The UK and EU regularly engage on the Windsor Framework and shared priorities, including the issue of deforestation. As was confirmed in the response to question UIN4798 on 16th September, Ministers are currently considering our approach to those matters, noting also that the EU Commission has proposed to delay the implementation deadlines by 12 months to 30 December 2025. Whilst official level engagement between the UK and EU is confidential, both the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee and its Specialised Committees publish details of their meetings and decisions.
The UK and EU regularly engage on the Windsor Framework and shared priorities, including the issue of deforestation. As was confirmed in the response to question UIN4798 on 16th September, Ministers are currently considering our approach to those matters, noting also that the EU Commission has proposed to delay the implementation deadlines by 12 months to 30 December 2025. Whilst official level engagement between the UK and EU is confidential, both the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee and its Specialised Committees publish details of their meetings and decisions.
CPTPP originating inputs imported to Great Britain under CPTPP (from a country which has ratified UK accession) and moved to Northern Ireland retain their originating status, even if deemed at risk of entering the European Union under the Windsor Framework, as long as the inputs remain in the UK. Northern Ireland businesses may be able to cumulate these inputs in their goods exported under CPTPP to a country which has ratified UK accession, potentially helping them to meet the Rules of Origin.
The Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) replaced the UK Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) in 2023. Like the EU GSP, the DCTS incentivises trade with developing countries, to reduce poverty, and to provide cheaper imports for UK and European businesses and consumers. They are two of the most generous schemes of their kind.
Importers can claim UK DCTS preferential tariffs in Northern Ireland, provided the goods are not 'at risk' of entering the EU. Where the EU tariff is charged waivers and reimbursements are available.
His Majesty’s Government has not conducted a comparative assessment of the impacts of these Schemes.
On Rules of Origin, CPTPP gives Northern Ireland companies the ability to cumulate materials from other CPTPP countries, in their exports to CPTPP countries, in the same way as any other part of the UK. Goods moving into Northern Ireland, including under CPTPP, are able to access UK tariffs preferences, subject to the ‘at risk’ criteria. The Windsor Framework does not affect exports from Northern Ireland, or Rules of Origin for exports.
The Department of Business and Trade (DBT) does not hold an aggregated value for the impact of the signed trade deals on the UK’s nations and regions. Instead, the Department publishes individual Impact Assessments (IAs) for new free trade agreements (FTAs) which set out the potential economic impacts on the UKs nations and regions. These show that all English regions and UK nations are expected to benefit from the new FTAs signed with Japan, Australia, New Zealand and CPTPP.
My fellow ministers and I undertake regular engagement with businesses, including online marketplaces and those who sell products online, to listen to their concerns.
In addition, officials in my Department have regular discussions with business representatives, including online marketplaces and businesses that sell products online, on a range of issues, including the impact of the EU’s new General Product Safety Regulations. This engagement allows businesses to raise specific issues directly with the Government.
Our assessment of the impact of the updated GPSR remains that it largely formalises how businesses are operating in the UK and that where businesses need to make changes, in most cases, they will be adapting to continue trading with the EU. The measures are therefore likely to have limited impact in practice. We are providing guidance which we will keep under review as we continue to engage businesses – including online marketplaces – to ensure we are supporting them to trade freely across the whole of the UK.
Our assessment of the impact of the updated GPSR remains that it largely formalises how businesses are operating in the UK and that where businesses need to make changes, in most cases, they will be adapting to continue trading with the EU. The measures are therefore likely to have limited impact in practice. We are providing guidance which we will keep under review as we continue to engage businesses – including online marketplaces – to ensure we are supporting them to trade freely across the whole of the UK.
Our assessment of the impact of the updated GPSR remains that it largely formalises how businesses are operating in the UK and that where businesses need to make changes, in most cases, they will be adapting to continue trading with the EU. The measures are therefore likely to have limited impact in practice. We are providing guidance which we will keep under review as we continue to engage businesses – including online marketplaces – to ensure we are supporting them to trade freely across the whole of the UK.
In setting tariffs, the Government takes into account the interests of UK consumers, producers, productivity, competitiveness, and external trade, as well as wider considerations such as strategic trade objectives.
As with all policy, the Government welcomes feedback and monitors these requests closely. Feedback can be submitted on specific tariff lines via the UKGT feedback form available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tariffs-on-goods-imported-into-the-uk.
The UK does not have a trade remedy measure in place against imports of electric buses.
The updated GPSR largely formalises the reality of how businesses are already operating in the UK and the measures are therefore likely to have limited impact in practice. Where businesses need to make changes, we expect that they will be adapting anyway to be compliant with the new Regulation to continue trading with the EU. However, we are providing more guidance in this area, will keep this under review and continue to engage businesses directly to ensure we are supporting them to trade freely across the whole of the UK.
In 2023, the value of goods associated with full declarations cleared by HMRC on GB to NI movements was £17.8bn, increasing by £3.6bn (26%) from 2022. More detail can be found here.
The Department for Business and Trade continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland devolved government and all other stakeholders to ensure the Windsor Framework delivers positive outcomes for the people and businesses of Northern Ireland.
Energy policy is a transferred matter in Northern Ireland, falling within the legislative competence of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive. Accordingly, the setting and defining of renewable energy targets is a matter for the relevant Northern Ireland Executive Ministers.
Electricity interconnectors, such as the Moyle interconnector, can provide a number of benefits including: enabling access to lower-cost electricity; enhancing security of supply; supporting decarbonisation; and increasing system flexibility.
The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is in an implementation period until January 2026 and applies to exports of electricity to the EU but not electricity for the UK market. The EU Commission has said that it intends to finalise the regulation via legislation over 2025. It remains difficult to conduct an accurate assessment of any potential impacts.
The UK will continue to engage closely with the EU as it finalises the CBAM and will continue to raise the need for clarity on the practical implementation of the CBAM for trade in electricity, given the challenges involved.
In the 2024 Autumn Budget, the Government committed £163 million to continue delivery for all current projects in Phases 1 and 2 and the first Phase 3 competition window of the IETF (Spring 2024) through to completion.
Ministers are considering opportunities to support UK industry to decarbonize and reach Net Zero as part of the Spending Review. Further announcements will be made in due course.
The Net Zero Hydrogen Fund, launched in 2022, aims to support the commercial deployment of new low carbon hydrogen production projects during the 2020s. Through strands one and two of this scheme, two projects in Northern Ireland have been offered a total of £5.1m in funding following successful applications through a competitive process. Total expenditure for the fund is yet to be finalised.
Further support for hydrogen production is being delivered through Hydrogen Allocation Rounds.
We have set out significant detail on Great British Energy (GBE) after only three weeks in office, including that GBE will benefit all four corners of our United Kingdom whilst respecting the devolution settlements. We are resetting our approach to working with the devolved nations, because meaningful cooperation centred on respect will be key to delivering change across our United Kingdom. We are committed to close collaboration with Northern Ireland’s Ministers on GBE. We will work with the Northern Ireland Executive on the scope of GBE’s activities and the opportunities for Northern Ireland. We will set out further detail in due course.
The UK is committed to establishing a proportionate Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulatory approach which is grounded in science and supports growth and innovation.
As we develop our approach to regulating AI, we recognise the need to engage with a range of stakeholders. This includes engaging with the European Union (EU) and other international partners to discuss our respective policy and regulatory approaches.
The European Council has published its proposal for a decision to apply the EU AI Act to a limited extent in Northern Ireland under Article 13(4) of the Windsor Framework. The Act would only apply following an agreement at a Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee, which will be subject to the mechanisms in Schedule 6B to the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The EU AI Act is complex and requires further dialogue and consideration as to its interaction with the Windsor Framework. The UK Government is assessing the proposal and will continue to engage closely with the EU on it.
The UK is committed to establishing a proportionate Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulatory approach which is grounded in science and supports growth and innovation.
As we develop our approach to regulating AI, we recognise the need to engage with a range of stakeholders. This includes engaging with the European Union (EU) and other international partners to discuss our respective policy and regulatory approaches.
The European Council has published its proposal for a decision to apply the EU AI Act to a limited extent in Northern Ireland under Article 13(4) of the Windsor Framework. The Act would only apply following an agreement at a Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee, which will be subject to the mechanisms in Schedule 6B to the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The EU AI Act is complex and requires further dialogue and consideration as to its interaction with the Windsor Framework. The UK Government is assessing the proposal and will continue to engage closely with the EU on it.
The UK is committed to establishing a proportionate Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulatory approach which is grounded in science and supports growth and innovation.
As we develop our approach to regulating AI, we recognise the need to engage with a range of stakeholders. This includes engaging with the European Union (EU) and other international partners to discuss our respective policy and regulatory approaches.
The European Council has published its proposal for a decision to apply the EU AI Act to a limited extent in Northern Ireland under Article 13(4) of the Windsor Framework. The Act would only apply following an agreement at a Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee, which will be subject to the mechanisms in Schedule 6B to the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The EU AI Act is complex and requires further dialogue and consideration as to its interaction with the Windsor Framework. The UK Government is assessing the proposal and will continue to engage closely with the EU on it.
This is a devolved matter and the costs provided relate to England and Wales only.
Phytosanitary certificates are required for the movement of ware potatoes from Great Britain to Northern Ireland to confirm freedom from pests and diseases. Each consignment must be inspected before certification. The inspection carries a minimum charge of £127.60 for the first 30 minutes, with an additional fee of £63.80 for every subsequent 15 minutes. A certificate is issued for each consignment at a cost of £25.52. Where multiple consignments are presented for inspection at the same time, this allows for more efficient use of inspector time and can reduce the cost per consignment.
Defra, like other Government departments, must prioritise its spending as part of the work to tackle the financial situation this Government inherited. The Department considered evidence on scheme closure from supermarkets and other retailers, producers and trade bodies. There was no evidence that the cessation of MAS would have anything beyond a marginal impact on Northern Ireland consumers. For context, MAS reimbursed £7 million of certification and testing costs but the total value of GB-NI agri-food movements last year was £3 billion.
The Movement Assistance Scheme (MAS) was always intended to be time limited. It was originally set up for a period of three months, and on review it was renewed for a further three months before being extended until December 2023. The decision to extend MAS until June 2025, to align with implementation of the Windsor Framework, was made public on 10th October 2023. There was never a suggestion it would extend beyond this date. MAS was created and extended to provide transitional support to businesses following the end of the transition period and during implementation of the Windsor Framework.
Defra remains committed to the ongoing support for Great Britain-Northern Ireland trade delivered through the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme and the Northern Ireland Plant Health Labelling Scheme, plus the ongoing work to reach an SPS agreement with the EU.
At its inception, Defra relied on the Supply and Appropriation (Main Estimates) Act 2020 as legal authority for spending on the Movement Assistance Scheme (MAS). Under the Act, Defra is permitted to spend public money on matters such as “deliver[ing] social, environmental and economic programmes”; “Promotion and support for sustainable development, consumption and production”; and “Support[ing] a sustainable, secure and healthy food supply”. On 1 September 2022, legal authority for spending on MAS moved to s.50 of the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020. The Plant Health etc. (Miscellaneous Fees) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1391) extended the exemption from payment of fees in connection with applications for phytosanitary certificates only.
Live coral is not eligible for movement under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (the “Green Lane”), as the scheme applies only to retail goods intended for final consumption in Northern Ireland. Movements of live animals and live aquatic invertebrates, such as coral, must therefore follow the standard procedures via Official Controls Regulations, including the standard SPS Requirements. Where a species of coral is protected under CITES, it will require a CITES permit for movement from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, which are issued by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Live coral is not eligible for movement under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (the “Green Lane”), as the scheme applies only to retail goods intended for final consumption in Northern Ireland. Movements of live animals and live aquatic invertebrates, such as coral, must therefore follow the standard procedures via Official Controls Regulations, including the standard SPS Requirements. Where a species of coral is protected under CITES, it will require a CITES permit for movement from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, which are issued by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
As stated in the answer of 10 July 2025 to Question 65431, the Government has committed to a maximum funding allocation of £192.3 million for all the facilities at the 4 ports. Of this allocation, Defra has spent £111.3 million up to the 30 June 2025. Contractors invoice on a monthly basis for works completed within the period. Forecasts indicate that spend will be within budget.
In line with the commitments we have made under the Windsor Framework, SPS inspection facilities are already operational in Northern Ireland at the ports of Foyle (18 April 25) and Warrenpoint (20 June 25). Construction and preparation of the new facilities are well underway at Belfast and Larne, and they are scheduled to be operationally ready at the end of July 2025.
In line with the commitments we have made under the Windsor Framework, SPS inspection facilities are already operational in Northern Ireland at the ports of Foyle (18 April 25) and Warrenpoint (20 June 25). Construction and preparation of the new facilities are well underway at Belfast and Larne, and they are scheduled to be operationally ready at the end of July 2025.
The Government has committed to a maximum funding envelope of £192.3 million for all the facilities at each of the 4 ports. Of this envelope, Defra has spent £111.3 million up to the 30 June 2025.
EU officials have assessed the SPS facilities at Foyle and Warrenpoint, we await their formal report.
The Government will introduce legislation shortly to provide a contingent power to introduce a ‘Not for EU’ labelling requirement across Great Britain, should it be needed to protect the UK Internal Market and consumer choice in Northern Ireland. This legislation will give the Government the power to introduce a labelling requirement in Great Britain in a targeted way, product by product and we will take action if necessary. Officials are working closely with businesses across the United Kingdom to support them with readiness for 1 July, when the next phase of labelling will be introduced.
There are approximately 20 Full Time Equivalents working closely with DAERA officials to implement obligations under the Windsor Framework.
In line with the commitments we have made under the Windsor Framework, SPS inspection facilities are under construction in Northern Ireland at the ports of Belfast, Larne, Foyle and Warrenpoint. Preparations are well underway, and they will be operationally ready by July 2025.
The Government has committed to a maximum funding envelope of £192.3 million. Of this envelope, Defra has spent £70.7 million up to the 28 February 2025, the latest data currently available.
In line with the commitments we have made under the Windsor Framework, SPS inspection facilities are under construction in Northern Ireland at the ports of Belfast, Larne, Foyle and Warrenpoint. Preparations are well underway, and they will be operationally ready by July 2025.
The Government has committed to a maximum funding envelope of £192.3 million. Of this envelope, Defra has spent £70.7 million up to the 28 February 2025, the latest data currently available.