Barriers to Trade

Northern Ireland – in the House of Commons at on 23 October 2024.

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Photo of Josh Newbury Josh Newbury Labour, Cannock Chase

What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to remove barriers to trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

Photo of Hilary Benn Hilary Benn The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

The Government are committed to implementing the Windsor framework in good faith, and to protecting Northern Ireland’s place in the UK internal market. We continue to take forward policies set out in “Safeguarding the Union”, including most recently the establishment of the independent monitoring panel and the publication of guidance under section 46 of the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020.

Photo of Robin Swann Robin Swann UUP, South Antrim

There is some concern regarding the supply of medicines to Northern Ireland. The British Generic Manufacturers Association says that there is an “absurd situation” in which there will be shortages due to the bureaucracy of the “UK only” labelling required for medicines going into Northern Ireland. The Government say that they are relaxed that the deadline will be met. Is the Secretary of State relaxed about the continued supply of medicines coming into Northern Ireland?

Photo of Hilary Benn Hilary Benn The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

It is really important that the medicines that are required continue to be supplied. The industry has had quite a period in which to make arrangements to ensure that the labelling rules are met. I hope that, in the time available, those companies that have not done so will do so.