Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee

Michael Gove Excerpts

Friday 11th September 2020 Written Statements

[The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Michael Gove)]

The withdrawal agreement Joint Committee met on 10 September at Lancaster House, London. The meeting was chaired by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and the European Commission vice-president, Maroš Šefčovič, alongside the alternate co-chairs of the Committee, the Paymaster General and Michel Barnier. Representatives from the Northern Ireland Executive and the EU 27 member states also joined by videolink.

The Committee discussed the UK Internal Market Bill and the Northern Ireland protocol. The UK made it clear that the legislative timetable for the Bill would continue as planned and reiterated its commitment to implementing the withdrawal agreement, including the Northern Ireland protocol, and the decisions of the Joint Committee.

The UK Government also stressed their obligations to the people of Northern Ireland, their determination to uphold the constitutional status of Northern Ireland, and their responsibility to provide good governance for the whole United Kingdom. As co-guarantor, along with Ireland, of the Belfast/Good Friday agreement, the Government’s commitment to that agreement remains absolute.

The UK Government will continue to engage in Joint Committee discussions constructively, with the aim of finding a satisfactory outcome for both sides.

[HCWS449]