Jim Shannon
Main Page: Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party - Strangford)Department Debates - View all Jim Shannon's debates with the Cabinet Office
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Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Sir Jeremy. I thank the hon. Member for Welwyn Hatfield (Andrew Lewin) for setting the scene so well.
I supported Brexit and voted for it, but unfortunately we in Northern Ireland did not get the Brexit that we voted for and that the rest of the United Kingdom got. We are stuck in the middle with no tangible benefit. We do not know whether my local firm, which has a large number of employees and ships its produce to the US, will be hit with untenable tariffs, as some of its products are sourced in the neighbouring Republic of Ireland. We do not know whether it can avail itself of the much friendlier UK tariff or whether EU retaliatory tariffs will be the death knell of its business. The sad thing is that this affects not just one business but a huge number throughout my constituency.
As we know, all businesses have an element of uncertainty, but the strain on exporters in Strangford is considerable. Any discussion of the trading relationship with the EU must note the difficult position that Northern Ireland is in until the EU ceases its death grip on the UK—the grip currently feels like a noose on the neck of Northern Ireland.
It has been said that the duty reimbursement scheme will be used to mitigate any effect on Northern Ireland, but the reality is that this scheme is time-consuming, and the delay in cash flow may not be sustainable for many traders. It is my firm opinion that any trade deal with the EU can only come with an end to the death grip of the Northern Ireland protocol, with an end to the red lane, with access to state aid and with a return to the UK-wide economy. That is what we need instead of being half in, half out, with duty paid and no representation given.
We have businesses in Northern Ireland that say they cannot continue to trade without sensible governance. I always try to be respectful to the Minister—it is the way I do things—and he will have his opinion, but he will have to go back to the Cabinet and ask the questions that need to be asked. Where is Northern Ireland situated in any enhanced trade with the EU? Will we be set to one side as an aggravating inconvenience? I believe that our Government must bring us back to a seat at the UK table once again.
Enhanced trade with the EU could be beneficial if it does not go against the Brexit decision, but the strangling of Northern Ireland must end. This House has a choice to make once again. I hope that this time the choice is made for the benefit of the entire United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.