Jim Allister Portrait

Jim Allister

Traditional Unionist Voice - North Antrim

450 (1.1%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 4th July 2024


1 APPG Officer Position (as of 20 Oct 2025)
British Buses
1 APPG Membership
Hydrogen
Jim Allister has no previous appointments


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Jim Allister has voted in 246 divisions, and 1 time against the majority of their Party.

10 Jun 2025 - Planning and Infrastructure Bill - View Vote Context
Jim Allister voted No - against a party majority - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Traditional Unionist Voice No votes vs 1 Traditional Unionist Voice Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 73 Noes - 312
View All Jim Allister Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Hilary Benn (Labour)
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
(40 debate interactions)
Fleur Anderson (Labour)
(19 debate interactions)
Keir Starmer (Labour)
Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury
(17 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Northern Ireland Office
(120 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(32 debate contributions)
Department for Business and Trade
(24 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Jim Allister's debates

North Antrim Petitions

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).

Petition Debates Contributed

We think that the Government should not make any changes to legislation that would allow Northern Ireland Veterans to be prosecuted for doing their duty in combating terrorism as part of 'Operation Banner'. (1969-2007)

I 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.

We 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.


Latest EDMs signed by Jim Allister

23rd October 2025
Jim Allister signed this EDM as the primary signatory on Thursday 23rd October 2025

Acquittal of Soldier F

Tabled by: Jim Allister (Traditional Unionist Voice - North Antrim)
That this House greatly welcomes the acquittal of Soldier F but questions why this veteran was put through the ordeal of the last few years, given the inadequacy of the evidence; and believes that everyone, including those who have agitated for years on this matter, should now accept the not …
1 signatures
(Most recent: 23 Oct 2025)
Signatures by party:
Traditional Unionist Voice: 1
11th September 2025
Jim Allister signed this EDM on Wednesday 22nd October 2025

Chinook Justice Campaign

Tabled by: Sorcha Eastwood (Alliance - Lagan Valley)
That this House recognises the need for an independent, judge-led public inquiry into the Chinook helicopter crash on the Mull of Kintyre on 2 June 1994 and the circumstances which led to the deaths of all 29 passengers and crew; believes that the State has a duty to ensure a …
18 signatures
(Most recent: 22 Oct 2025)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 9
Labour: 2
Scottish National Party: 2
Alliance: 1
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Independent: 1
Green Party: 1
Traditional Unionist Voice: 1
View All Jim Allister's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

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.


1 Urgent Question tabled by Jim Allister

Monday 12th May 2025

1 Adjournment Debate led by Jim Allister

Tuesday 4th March 2025

1 Bill introduced by Jim Allister


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.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th December 2024
(Read Debate)
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 31st October 2025

1 Bill co-sponsored by Jim Allister

Quantitative Easing (Prohibition) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Rupert Lowe (Ind)


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
13th Oct 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework: Joint Statement, 2 October 2025, what the pending issues are that the Committee agreed to make progress on at high pace.

The Government regularly engages with the EU on the Windsor Framework, which it is implementing on an ongoing basis in line with its manifesto commitment to doing so and its commitment to the UK internal market. UK/EU Specialised Committee meetings are conducted in line with the confidentiality obligations set out in Annex VIII of the Withdrawal Agreement, with agendas being released in advance and a statement following the meeting at GOV.UK. Information is provided in the most recent statement of 2 October on the operational activity being undertaken in the areas of SPS and customs to support the smooth operation of the Windsor Framework, and the Government will continue to engage all relevant stakeholders as it moves forward.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
13th Oct 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework: Joint Statement, 2 October 20255, if he will publish further detail on the significant work that remains to be undertaken to deliver in full the safeguards underpinning the flexibilities for the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The Government regularly engages with the EU on the Windsor Framework, which it is implementing on an ongoing basis in line with its manifesto commitment to doing so and its commitment to the UK internal market. UK/EU Specialised Committee meetings are conducted in line with the confidentiality obligations set out in Annex VIII of the Withdrawal Agreement, with agendas being released in advance and a statement following the meeting at GOV.UK. Information is provided in the most recent statement of 2 October on the operational activity being undertaken in the areas of SPS and customs to support the smooth operation of the Windsor Framework, and the Government will continue to engage all relevant stakeholders as it moves forward.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
14th Jul 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 22 January 2025 to Question 24053 on Independent Review of the Windsor Framework, what steps he has taken to ensure the (a) support arrangements for that review were independent and (b) independence of the review process in general.

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.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
20th May 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the effect of the SPS agreement with the EU of 19 May 2025 on the requirement for (a) customs declarations and (b) inspections for the trade of sanitary and phytosanitary goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

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.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
20th May 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK-EU deal on the (a) applicability and (b) operation of the Official Controls Regulation (EU) 2017/625 in Northern Ireland.

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.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
19th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 24 October 2024 to Question 10214 on Crafts: Northern Ireland, whether the Government has made a decision on the vote in the Northern Ireland Assembly on the applicability motion in relation to EU Regulation 2023/2411 on 19 March 2024.

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.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
11th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Answer of 22 February 2023 to Question 146816 on Northern Ireland Protocol and Trader Support Service: Costs, what the cost to the public purse was of (a) Trader Support Services operations, (b) Movement Assistance Scheme operations and (c) the Digital Assistance Scheme between August 2020 and February 2025.

The Government is committed to supporting industry in moving goods smoothly between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including through the use of schemes such as the Movement Assistance Scheme (MAS) and the Trader Support Service (TSS). The costs of the MAS, TSS, and Digital Assistance Scheme (DAS) are set out below:

FY 2020/21

FY2021/22

FY2022/23

FY2023/24

FY2024/25

MAS

£3.53 million

£9.78 million

£8.75 million

£9.64 million

£8.30 million (up to 30/01/2025)

TSS

£100.62 million

£148.80 million

£114.68 million

£105.19 million

£73.18 million (up to 30/01/2025)

DAS

£3.45 million

£13.73 million

£16.6 million

£18.4 million

£15.2 million (up to 28/02/2025)

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
26th Feb 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish the dates of meetings of the Veterinary Medicine Working Group.

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.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
12th Feb 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people have been awarded the Elizabeth Emblem in recognition of the sacrifice of a loved one who died in the course of providing services in Northern Ireland.

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.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
12th Feb 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the number of people nominated for the Elizabeth Emblem by (a) organisations and (b) private individuals in (i) Northern Ireland and (ii) the UK.

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.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
22nd Jan 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much (a) his Department has and (b) his Department's arms length bodies have spent on hospitality in (i) each of the last five years and (ii) since 5 July 2024.

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.

Georgia Gould
Minister of State (Education)
21st Oct 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether, in the context of the vote in the Northern Ireland Assembly on the applicability motion in relation to EU Regulation 2023/2411 on 19 March 2024, whether he has made a decision on the application of that regulation to Northern Ireland.

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.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
8th Oct 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether (a) the Joint Consultative Working Group has had discussions on the application of EU Regulation 2023/1115 in Northern Ireland and (b) the group's meeting minutes are published.

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.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
8th Oct 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee's Specialised Committees have had recent discussions on the application of EU Regulation 2023/1115 in Northern Ireland.

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.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
8th Oct 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee has had recent discussions on the application of EU Regulation 2023/1115 in Northern Ireland.

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.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
12th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 9 January 2025 to Question 22858 on Trade Agreements, how goods produced in Northern Ireland using inputs that entered Great Britain under the terms of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and were, when moved to Northern Ireland, deemed under the Windsor Framework to be at risk of entering the Republic of Ireland, will be subject to cumulation in relation to those inputs in the context of the relevant rules of origin for onward sale.

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.

Douglas Alexander
Secretary of State for Scotland
12th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what comparative assessment he has made of the potential impact of the (a) EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences on businesses importing into Northern Ireland and (b) UK Generalised Scheme of Preferences on business importing into Great Britain.

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.

Douglas Alexander
Secretary of State for Scotland
8th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 19 November 2024 to Question 14407 on Trade Agreements, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the (a) Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and (b) Windsor Framework on the ability of Northern Ireland companies to access inputs through that Agreement which allow cumulation in Northern Ireland within relevant Rules of Origin for onward sale.

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.

Douglas Alexander
Secretary of State for Scotland
14th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent estimate his Department has made of the potential impact of trade deals negotiated since 2020 on economic growth in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland.

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.

Douglas Alexander
Secretary of State for Scotland
13th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with (a) eBay and (b) other online sellers on the potential impact of the General Product Safety Regulations 2023 on the ability of consumers in Northern Ireland to continue to buy goods from Great Britain.

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.

12th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) eBay and (b) other sellers based in England, Wales and Scotland turning off their seller accounts to Northern Ireland because of the costs of having to comply with the General Product Safety Regulations 2023 on (i) the supply of goods and (ii) price levels in Northern Ireland.

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.

12th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of (a) eBay and (b) other sellers based in England, Wales and Scotland turning off their seller accounts to Northern Ireland because of the costs for compliance with the General Product Safety Regulations 2023.

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.

12th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of (a) eBay and (b) other sellers based in Great Britain turning off their seller accounts to Northern Ireland because of the costs of compliance with the General Product Safety Regulations 2023 on consumers in Northern Ireland.

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.

4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the tariff level applied to imported electric buses on local production; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of raising that tariff.

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.

Douglas Alexander
Secretary of State for Scotland
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what trade remedy measures to promote domestic manufacturing industries are in place in respect of electric bus manufacturing in the UK.

The UK does not have a trade remedy measure in place against imports of electric buses.

Douglas Alexander
Secretary of State for Scotland
23rd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the introduction of the updated General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) on SMEs shipping from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

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.

17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the (a) Northern Ireland Protocol and (b) Windsor Framework on trends in the level of the supply of (i) goods and (ii) other materials to Northern Ireland.

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.

Douglas Alexander
Secretary of State for Scotland
18th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what consideration he has given to including the electricity imported to Northern Ireland through the Moyle interconnector to Northern Ireland's renewable targets.

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.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
12th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make a comparative assessment of the potential impact of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism introduced by Regulation (EU) 2023/956 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 on the price of electricity in (a) Northern Ireland and (b) Great Britain after 1 January 2026.

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.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
3rd Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund will be reopening for applications.

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.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Home Office)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much and what proportion of the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund was allocated to projects in Northern Ireland; and whether he plans to provide funding for green hydrogen generation in Northern Ireland.

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.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Home Office)
22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the planned remit for Great British Energy is in Northern Ireland; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Windsor Framework on the operation of Great British Energy.

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.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
25th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of applying the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 apart from Articles 103-107 and 109 to Great Britain on a regulatory border between (a) Northern Ireland and (b) the rest of the country.

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.

25th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions his Department has had with relevant industry bodies in (a) Northern Ireland and (b) the rest of the UK on the potential application the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 apart from Articles 103-107 and 109 to Northern Ireland.

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.

25th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of applying the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 other than Articles 103-107 and 109 to Northern Ireland compared with equivalent businesses in Great Britain.

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.

20th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether manure that is (a) subject to (i) annual returns to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and (ii) veterinary approval and (b) has been granted a licence by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine of the Government of Ireland can lawfully be transported from livestock farms in Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland.

This is a devolved matter and the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive.

Angela Eagle
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
14th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 July 2025 to Question 65431 on Import Controls, whether the construction of the border control posts at (i) Belfast, (ii) Larne, (iii) Foyle and (iv) Warrenpoint had been completed by 13 October 2025; how much and what proportion of the total costs of the construction of those posts had been paid by 13 October 2025; and what estimate she has made of the total cost to the public purse for the construction of those posts.

In line with the commitments we have made under the Windsor Framework, SPS inspection facilities have been constructed and are operational in Northern Ireland at the ports of Foyle, Warrenpoint, Belfast and Larne with some remedial works at Larne carrying on into 2026.

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 £127.4 million up to the 13 October 2025.

Angela Eagle
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
13th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 July 2025 to Question 65430 on Import Controls, whether the border control posts at Belfast, Larne, Foyle and Warrenpoint are now fully operational.

I can confirm that the new SPS inspection facilities at Foyle, Warrenpoint, Belfast and Larne are all operational.

Angela Eagle
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
4th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, for what reason businesses in Northern Ireland are being charged (a) £127.60 per GB inspection of GB potatoes they wish to buy and move to Northern Ireland and (b) different rates for each SPS certificate depending on the GB farm from which the potatoes are bought.

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.

Angela Eagle
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
4th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of his decision not to extend the Movement Assistance Scheme beyond 30 June 2025 on Northern Ireland buyers of impacted Great Britain products moving those products into Northern Ireland.

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.

Angela Eagle
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
4th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Movement Assistance Scheme operating until 30 June 2025 had a statutory foundation beyond that set out by the Plant Health etc. (Miscellaneous Fees) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/623).

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.

Angela Eagle
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
1st Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether a CITES permit is required to move live coral from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

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).

Angela Eagle
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
1st Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether moving live coral from Great Britain to Northern Ireland requires (a) an export number, (b) an Export Health Certificate, (c) a Common Health Entry Document and (d) using TRACES.

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).

Angela Eagle
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
1st Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance his Department provides on whether live coral should be moved between Great Britain and Northern Ireland through the Green or Red Lane.

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).

Angela Eagle
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
14th Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 July 2025 to Question 65431, what proportion of overall costs the contracts for the construction of the border control posts allocate to payment on completion of the project.

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.

7th Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2025 to Question 37521 on Import controls, on what date the border control posts will become operational.

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.

7th Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2025 to Question 37521 on Import Controls, when was construction of the border control posts completed; and what was the total construction costs of those posts.

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.