Oral Answers to Questions

Josh Newbury Excerpts

Wednesday 23rd October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Hilary Benn]

In addition to the £3.3 billion package that followed the restoration of the Executive, the Executive gained £185 million in July when the main estimates were published. In order to avoid having to repay the debt that the hon. Member refers to, they have to put their finances on a sustainable path, deliver a balanced budget, and raise the additional £130 million revenue to which they committed when the deal was done. The fiscal council’s view is that 124% is the right funding.

[Josh Newbury (Cannock Chase) (Lab)]

5. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to remove barriers to trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)]

The Government are committed to implementing the Windsor framework in good faith, and to protecting Northern Ireland’s place in the UK internal market. We continue to take forward policies set out in “Safeguarding the Union”, including most recently the establishment of the independent monitoring panel and the publication of guidance under section 46 of the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

I did not come back to Josh Newbury after Question 5, so he will ask his supplementary question now.

[Josh Newbury (Cannock Chase) (Lab)]

Businesses in my constituency tell me that they face increased red tape and costs when importing from or exporting to Northern Ireland. Can the Secretary of State confirm that he is committed to unfettered access for goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britian?

[Hilary Benn]

I certainly can confirm that, and it is set out in the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020.