Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, prior to the triggering of Article 16 of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, they would provide an opportunity for that action to be debated in Parliament; and whether any such debate would be on a divisible motion.

The UK Government has always been clear that we would prefer to settle these issues consensually and reach a positive outcome with the EU through negotiations.

However, if a negotiated outcome cannot be found, Article 16 remains a legitimate provision within the Protocol to safeguard peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland and to support the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

In such circumstances, we will, of course, set out our justification for using Article 16 and its legal basis at an appropriate time. The Government remains committed to keeping Parliament updated on the UK-EU relationship and to providing legal certainty and clarity for Northern Ireland.