Oral Answers to Questions

Stephen Farry Excerpts

Wednesday 26th January 2022 Commons Chamber

[Conor Burns]

The hon. Lady is absolutely right that Her Majesty is an example to us all. The House should unite in thanking her for her decades of dedicated service to our country and the Commonwealth.

[Stephen Farry (North Down) (Alliance)]

6. What engagement the Government has had with Northern Ireland businesses on the Northern Ireland protocol since 1 January 2022.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Brandon Lewis)]

My engagement with the Northern Ireland business community is extensive. Just this week I have been in Northern Ireland engaging directly with businesses, as I do every week, to discuss the impacts of the protocol as well as any wider concerns or issues.

[Stephen Farry]

The Government published their Command Paper last July, the European Union published four papers last October, and I understand that the Government have tabled a revised legal text in the negotiations. Does the Secretary of State recognise that there is a desire among businesses in Northern Ireland for much greater transparency around the UK Government’s negotiating objectives?