Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the extra costs to businesses in the UK of trading within the UK as a result of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

The Protocol has had a direct impact on businesses moving goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. That is why we have provided extensive support to such businesses, including the Trader Support Service (TAS) - which has supported over 400,000 consignments since 1 January, the Movement Assistance Scheme (MAS) - to support traders with new requirements for moving agri-food goods and, in due course, a new Digital Assistance Scheme to support supermarkets and their suppliers.

The TSS and MAS not only assist traders with any relevant paperwork but also cover the related costs, including the costs of any veterinary inspections, required for Export Health Certificates.

We continue to engage intensively with businesses to understand the challenges faced and find solutions.