Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Robin Swann Excerpts
Wednesday 23rd October 2024

(4 weeks, 1 day ago)

Commons Chamber
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Hilary Benn Portrait The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
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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.

Robin Swann Portrait Robin Swann (South Antrim) (UUP)
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There is some concern regarding the supply of medicines to Northern Ireland. The British Generic Manufacturers Association says that there is an “absurd situation” in which there will be shortages due to the bureaucracy of the “UK only” labelling required for medicines going into Northern Ireland. The Government say that they are relaxed that the deadline will be met. Is the Secretary of State relaxed about the continued supply of medicines coming into Northern Ireland?

Hilary Benn Portrait Hilary Benn
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It is really important that the medicines that are required continue to be supplied. The industry has had quite a period in which to make arrangements to ensure that the labelling rules are met. I hope that, in the time available, those companies that have not done so will do so.