United Kingdom Government-Northern Ireland Executive Joint Board

Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown Excerpts

Tuesday 6th October 2020 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Younger of Leckie (Con)]

Indeed, the noble Baroness is right, and I have taken on board her question. This is very much a matter for the Executive and I do not have in front of me the details of the agenda. However, at the first meeting, the terms of reference were agreed, and it remains up to the Executive to decide whether to make this, and indeed any other matter relating to the agenda, public.

[Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown (DUP)]

I am sure that the Minister is aware of the deep concern over the threat by the EU to block the free movement of goods, including food, from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. In the event of the Union not coming to an agreement by December, will the Government give an assurance that they will exempt goods and food from the EU-commanded checks? This has major implications for Northern Ireland industry.

[Viscount Younger of Leckie (Con)]

I will take note of that point because, again, the noble Lord’s question takes us further from the point raised about the joint board.