Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support small GB–based businesses in overcoming barriers to trade with Northern Ireland, particularly in relations to shipping difficulties.

The Windsor Framework provides a wide range support for business between GB and NI.

The UK Internal Market Scheme already enables businesses to move goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland without being subject to customs duties. This is being expanded into the full UK internal market system which will further simplify the movement of goods for businesses.

There will be a competitive procurement exercise for provision of the Trader Support Service, which provides free support and guidance to businesses, to ensure continuity of service from 2026 onwards, and the current service has been extended to the end of 2025.