Northern Ireland Protocol Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 7:06 pm on 27 June 2022.

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Photo of Robert Buckland Robert Buckland Conservative, South Swindon 7:06, 27 June 2022

I am afraid I cannot give way any further.

It is paramount that article 1 of the protocol, which says that it

“is without prejudice to the provisions” of the Good Friday agreement, means that the Good Friday agreement definitely—in my view, as a matter of law—takes precedence. Any Government who fail to act or who sit idly by and ignore the concerns of Opposition Members, the wider community or the wider interests of our kingdom are therefore failing in their duty.

I have listened very carefully this afternoon to the leader of the Democratic Unionist party, Sir Jeffrey M. Donaldson, and his party. I would like further clarity as to whether in referring to the passage of this Bill he meant its clearance through this House, as opposed to through the other place before it returns here for a final consideration.