Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with ministers at the Northern Ireland Assembly about the impact that the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland has had on the current situation in Northern Ireland.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland remains in close and continued contact with Northern Ireland’s party leaders. The Government welcomes the unity that the Executive has shown in opposing the recent disorder.

It is clear that the factors behind the recent disorder are complex and multifaceted. The answer to these issues lies in dialogue, engagement, and the democratic process; not through violence or disorder.

The Protocol was designed to protect the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and to safeguard the gains of the peace process. There are outstanding issues with the Protocol which need to be addressed in order to restore confidence on the ground and minimise the impact on day-to-day lives of the people in Northern Ireland. The measures taken in March this year were temporary, operational steps intended to minimise disruption in Northern Ireland and protect the everyday lives of the people living there. We are working intensively with the EU to address these and working hard to ensure the effective operation of the Protocol, including through tailored support for businesses.