Clause 1 - Overview of main provisions

Part of Northern Ireland Protocol Bill – in the House of Commons at 3:15 pm on 13 July 2022.

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Photo of Hilary Benn Hilary Benn Labour, Leeds Central 3:15, 13 July 2022

The right hon. and learned Gentleman referred earlier to the three bits of the protocol that the Bill specifically prevents from being excluded—namely, rights of individuals, the common travel area and other north-south co-operation—which he described as particularly sensitive. Could he explain to the Committee why he does not regard article 18 of the Northern Ireland protocol, which relates to democratic consent in Northern Ireland, as equally sensitive? Why is that not covered by the exclusion? As I read the Bill, the Government could, if they wanted to, change article 18. Is that correct?