Checks on Goods: Northern Ireland and Great Britain Debate
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Laurence Robertson
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Checks on Goods: Northern Ireland and Great Britain
Laurence Robertson Excerpts(5 years ago)
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Mr Speaker
We have had only five Back Benchers, even though the urgent question has been running for 26 minutes. I say gently to the Secretary of State that nobody could accuse him of excluding from his answers any consideration that he thinks might be material in any century, but it would be helpful if we expedited progress on this important matter.
Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con)
In no way dispelling the fears of the Unionist community, of which I would consider myself one, may I quote what the Library says on this matter:
“there are currently checks on animal products entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain including physical checks on livestock”?
While there is the potential for those to increase under this agreement, the agreement is not establishing a principle in that respect—that principle is already established.
Stephen Barclay
My hon. Friend speaks with great experience, and I know that he takes a very close interest in matters pertaining to Northern Ireland. He is absolutely right in respect of the single epidemiological zone that is the island of Ireland, pertaining to animal and plant health, but at the same time, I accept that there are concerns from a number of Members about what additional requirements will be needed. Those are valid concerns and we stand ready to work with them on those issues.