Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending access to the UK Trader Scheme to companies without a formal base in Northern Ireland.

The conditions for authorisation for the UK Trader Scheme (UKTS) are set out in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee’s decision on ‘not at risk’ goods. The Government has already provided an easement to allow GB traders who do not have a fixed place of business in Northern Ireland time to prepare, allowing them to be authorised for the UKTS until 1 November 2021 providing they meet other UKTS eligibility requirements. As part of current discussions to address outstanding issues with the Protocol and ensure it operates in the pragmatic and proportionate way intended, the Government would want to consider flexibilities that could support the streamlined flow of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.