Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

What recent assessment the Government has made of the effect of implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol on Northern Ireland's economy.

Whilst the Northern Ireland economy is facing significant challenges, particularly due to Covid-19, I am confident that Northern Ireland has a promising economic future.

Through the Northern Ireland Protocol, local businesses have unfettered access to the rest of the UK Market whilst also retaining access to the EU Single Market for goods.

The unique opportunities afforded by the Protocol allow Northern Ireland to be promoted as a great place to live and work, strengthening and growing its economy as a competitive and world class base for global businesses.