Lord Dodds of Duncairn Portrait

Lord Dodds of Duncairn

Democratic Unionist Party - Belfast North

Became Member: 18th September 2020


Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Brexit)
1st Jul 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Reform and Constitutional Issues)
8th May 2015 - 6th Nov 2019
Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)
8th May 2015 - 6th Nov 2019
DUP Westminster Leader
6th May 2010 - 6th Nov 2019
Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Justice)
1st Jun 2010 - 30th Mar 2015
Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs)
1st Jun 2010 - 30th Mar 2015
Shadow Spokesperson (Justice)
1st Jun 2007 - 1st Jun 2010
Shadow Spokesperson (Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform)
1st Jun 2007 - 1st Jun 2010
Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Without Portfolio)
4th Jun 2008 - 6th May 2010
Statutory Instruments (Joint Committee)
9th Nov 2009 - 6th May 2010
Statutory Instruments (Select Committee)
9th Nov 2009 - 6th May 2010
Members' Allowances
9th Feb 2009 - 18th May 2009
Opposition Whip (Commons)
1st Jul 2001 - 1st Jun 2008
Shadow Spokesperson (Treasury)
1st Jun 2005 - 1st Jun 2007
Shadow Spokesperson (Work and Pensions)
1st Jun 2005 - 1st Jun 2007


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Lord Dodds of Duncairn has voted in 315 divisions, and 19 times against the majority of their Party.

13 Jan 2021 - Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party No votes vs 4 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 339 Noes - 235
13 Jan 2021 - Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 4 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 298 Noes - 259
16 Nov 2021 - Dormant Assets Bill [HL] - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party No votes vs 4 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 216 Noes - 195
16 Nov 2021 - Dormant Assets Bill [HL] - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party No votes vs 4 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 216 Noes - 195
9 Feb 2022 - Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 2 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 200 Noes - 160
7 Mar 2022 - Health and Care Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party No votes vs 3 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 207 Noes - 169
7 Mar 2022 - Health and Care Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party No votes vs 3 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 210 Noes - 169
16 Mar 2022 - Health and Care Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 2 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 2 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 213 Noes - 154
29 Mar 2022 - Building Safety Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party No votes vs 4 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 176 Noes - 151
29 Mar 2022 - Building Safety Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party No votes vs 3 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 156 Noes - 123
6 Apr 2022 - Elections Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 2 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 24 Noes - 139
25 Apr 2022 - Elections Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 3 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 194 Noes - 220
25 Apr 2022 - Elections Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 3 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 169 Noes - 209
26 Apr 2022 - Nationality and Borders Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party No votes vs 3 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 196 Noes - 222
27 Apr 2022 - Judicial Review and Courts Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 3 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 219 Noes - 229
5 Jul 2023 - Illegal Migration Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 2 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 188 Noes - 158
18 Jul 2023 - Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 2 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 2 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 195 Noes - 216
18 Jul 2023 - Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 3 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 185 Noes - 221
4 Sep 2023 - Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Dodds of Duncairn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 3 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 158 Noes - 149
View All Lord Dodds of Duncairn Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Lord Frost (Conservative)
(23 debate interactions)
Lord Caine (Conservative)
Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
(21 debate interactions)
Lord True (Conservative)
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
(15 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Northern Ireland Office
(65 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(32 debate contributions)
Department of Health and Social Care
(19 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Lord Dodds of Duncairn's debates

Lords initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Lord Dodds of Duncairn, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.


1 Bill introduced by Lord Dodds of Duncairn


The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to promote awareness of abuse of elderly people and adults at risk, to promote training on how to recognise and respond to such abuse amongst those who are likely to encounter abuse in the course of their work, to promote greater awareness and understanding of the rights of victims of abuse amongst agencies with responsibilities for providing, arranging, commissioning, monitoring and inspecting care services, to promote the development of local strategies for preventing abuse of elderly people and adults at risk and for ensuring that victims are assisted in recovering from the effects of abuse.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 10th November 2010

Lord Dodds of Duncairn has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
22nd Feb 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to publish each individual EU law and regulation which is outside the scope of the Stormont Brake in Northern Ireland.

The scope of the Stormont Brake is provided for in domestic law under the Windsor Framework (Democratic Scrutiny) Regulations 2024. The restoration of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland allowed those regulations to come into force and facilitated new democratic safeguards that would be unavailable to the people of Northern Ireland if the failure of those institutions to function continued. The Government has published clear operational arrangements that underpin the democratic mechanisms contained within the Windsor Framework.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
21st Feb 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide a list of the measures adopted by the EU within the scope of the Northern Ireland Protocol between January 2021 and July 2022, referred to in the paper Northern Ireland Protocol: the UK’s Solution, published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on 14 July 2022.

The Windsor Framework disapplies swathes of EU rules that applied under the old Northern Ireland Protocol to support internal UK trade. It completely carves out whole areas of EU law on issues such as VAT, medicines and food. Those limited areas that remain apply principally in order to secure NI access to the EU market.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
21st Feb 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government when they intend to introduce legislation to direct Northern Ireland bodies regarding the UK internal market scheme in the operation of the Windsor Framework.

The Government will take direct powers at Westminster to direct NI bodies to protect the UK internal market as soon as parliamentary time allows. This will allow us to provide clear legal direction to DAERA and other UK Government authorities to eliminate any physical checks when goods move within the UK internal market system, except those conducted by UK authorities and required as part of a risk-based or intelligence-led approach.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
7th Feb 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government which existing EU regulations and laws applying to Northern Ireland are within the scope of the Stormont Brake mechanism.

With the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive back up and running, the powerful democratic safeguard of the Stormont Brake is now in operation. This gives MLAs a vital role in the decision on whether significant new goods rules impacting on everyday life in Northern Ireland should be applied. Its operation is set out in detail in the Windsor Framework (Democratic Scrutiny) Regulations 2024.

The operation of the Windsor Framework and the application of a limited subset of EU law in Northern Ireland are subject to a consent vote of the Northern Ireland Assembly, due to be held later this year.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
11th Jan 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government which specific provisions of the Windsor Framework and UK legislation required the European Commission to give state aid approval for the Energy Business Discount Scheme in Northern Ireland.

The Windsor Framework ensures that subsidy control provisions work as intended, serving to avoid market distortion on the island of Ireland, without interfering with Northern Ireland’s place in the UK internal market. It is consistent with Northern Ireland’s full access to both the UK and EU markets, which is what Northern Ireland businesses have consistently asked for.

In the case of the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS), where targeted support was provided to energy and trade intensive industries, under the relevant provisions set out under Article 10 of the Windsor Framework, there is a proven genuine and material link to Northern Ireland’s trade with the EU, not least with regard to the all-island Single Electricity Market. The EBDS scheme provides equivalent levels of support in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
26th Apr 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to provide a list of those individual benefits set out in the Benefits of Brexit paper, published on 31 January, which do not apply to Northern Ireland because of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
7th Apr 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what consultations were carried out with Northern Ireland (1) Ministers, and (2) stakeholders, prior to the publication of The Benefits of Brexit: How the UK is taking advantage of leaving the EU, published on 31 January.

My officials undertake regular engagement with the Devolved Administrations, including on the Brexit Freedoms Bill and the reviews of retained EU law, and will continue to do so. They last met representatives from the Scottish Government, along with the Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive on 30 March.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
7th Apr 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to their paper The Benefits of Brexit: How the UK is taking advantage of leaving the EU, published on 31 January, which of the benefits identified will not apply to Northern Ireland.

The ‘Benefits of Brexit’ paper, published on 31 January, illustrates how the UK is taking advantage of leaving the EU and sets out how the Government will use new freedoms in each sector to make the UK become the best regulated economy in the world. We recognise that Northern Ireland is not able to enjoy all of the benefits of Brexit at quite the same time as the rest of the UK because of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which is why we are seeking changes to it.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
7th Apr 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the process for taking the views of Northern Ireland (1) Ministers, and (2) stakeholders, into account during the review of the status and substance of retained EU law.

The Government has now delivered the review into the status and substance of retained EU law and is using the outcome of both reviews to inform the content of the ‘Brexit Freedoms Bill’.

We remain committed to engaging with devolved governments using Common Frameworks and other existing intergovernmental structures.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
7th Apr 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential divergence in laws and policies between Great Britain and Northern Ireland resulting from the review of EU retained law.

The Government has now delivered the review into the status and substance of retained EU law and is using the outcome of both reviews to inform the content of the ‘Brexit Freedoms Bill’.

We remain committed to engaging with devolved governments using Common Frameworks and other existing intergovernmental structures.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
15th Sep 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact that ending the grace period for border checks and controls between Great Britain and Northern Ireland would have on the supply of medicines to Northern Ireland.

There would be clear risks to medicine supplies to patients in the absence of sustainable, long-term arrangements that take proper account of the nature of supplies of medicines as an inherent part of the delivery of national health services, such as those proposed by the Government in its Command Paper of 21 July.

15th Jul 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what consultations they have had regarding who will represent the UK on the various bodies set up under (1) the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, and (2) the UK–EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement.

Beyond the Protocol itself, which outlines in its annexes the EU law that applies to Northern Ireland, the Government has not so far published any further material regarding rules applied by the Protocol.

The Government’s Command Paper [CP 502] published on 21 July sets out alternative proposals for the basis on which EU law might apply in Northern Ireland, potentially involving the Northern Ireland institutions. This could have a significant effect on the visibility of new rules applied in Northern Ireland and how they are brought into force in UK law.


Pending agreement on this potential new settlement, it is entirely right that people in Northern Ireland should be able to be fully aware of the law applying where it derives from EU acts which are not the subject of specific domestic legislation to transpose them into UK law. We will consider the best way of enabling this. We continue to urge the EU to ensure that there is proper notice of such legislation and that appropriate information is provided through the structures established by the Withdrawal Agreement.

As to the bodies established under the Protocol, in line with commitments made in the New Decade, New Approach deal, representatives from the Northern Ireland Executive are invited to attend all Joint Committee and Specialised Committee meetings as part of the UK delegation when the Irish Government are attending. Representatives from the Northern Ireland Executive also form part of the UK delegation at the Joint Consultative Working Group.

15th Jul 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what role the (1) Northern Ireland Assembly, and (2) UK Parliament, have in consenting to the EU law affecting Northern Ireland under the terms of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

Beyond the Protocol itself, which outlines in its annexes the EU law that applies to Northern Ireland, the Government has not so far published any further material regarding rules applied by the Protocol.

The Government’s Command Paper [CP 502] published on 21 July sets out alternative proposals for the basis on which EU law might apply in Northern Ireland, potentially involving the Northern Ireland institutions. This could have a significant effect on the visibility of new rules applied in Northern Ireland and how they are brought into force in UK law.


Pending agreement on this potential new settlement, it is entirely right that people in Northern Ireland should be able to be fully aware of the law applying where it derives from EU acts which are not the subject of specific domestic legislation to transpose them into UK law. We will consider the best way of enabling this. We continue to urge the EU to ensure that there is proper notice of such legislation and that appropriate information is provided through the structures established by the Withdrawal Agreement.

As to the bodies established under the Protocol, in line with commitments made in the New Decade, New Approach deal, representatives from the Northern Ireland Executive are invited to attend all Joint Committee and Specialised Committee meetings as part of the UK delegation when the Irish Government are attending. Representatives from the Northern Ireland Executive also form part of the UK delegation at the Joint Consultative Working Group.

15th Jul 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to publish all the EU law affecting Northern Ireland that is given effect under the provisions of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

Beyond the Protocol itself, which outlines in its annexes the EU law that applies to Northern Ireland, the Government has not so far published any further material regarding rules applied by the Protocol.

The Government’s Command Paper [CP 502] published on 21 July sets out alternative proposals for the basis on which EU law might apply in Northern Ireland, potentially involving the Northern Ireland institutions. This could have a significant effect on the visibility of new rules applied in Northern Ireland and how they are brought into force in UK law.


Pending agreement on this potential new settlement, it is entirely right that people in Northern Ireland should be able to be fully aware of the law applying where it derives from EU acts which are not the subject of specific domestic legislation to transpose them into UK law. We will consider the best way of enabling this. We continue to urge the EU to ensure that there is proper notice of such legislation and that appropriate information is provided through the structures established by the Withdrawal Agreement.

As to the bodies established under the Protocol, in line with commitments made in the New Decade, New Approach deal, representatives from the Northern Ireland Executive are invited to attend all Joint Committee and Specialised Committee meetings as part of the UK delegation when the Irish Government are attending. Representatives from the Northern Ireland Executive also form part of the UK delegation at the Joint Consultative Working Group.

28th Jun 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they are having with the Northern Ireland Executive about the white paper on the Levelling Up strategy.

The Government will publish a landmark Levelling Up White Paper later this year, setting out bold new policy interventions to improve livelihoods and opportunity in all parts of the UK. This will be informed by engagement across the UK nations and, to fulfil our ambitions, the UK Government will engage with representatives from the devolved governments, including the Northern Ireland Executive, and with all other relevant stakeholders across the public, private and third sectors.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
28th Jun 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government which department leads on their Levelling Up strategy; and what consultations they will be undertaking with local government on that strategy.

The Levelling Up unit has been established to produce the Levelling Up White Paper, working closely with Neil O’Brien MP (PM’s Levelling Up adviser) and departments.

Strengthening the Union is at the heart of this agenda and the White Paper will be informed by engagement across the UK nations, working with departments, including the Territorial Offices. The Unit has and will continue to engage with representatives from the local government sector and with all other relevant stakeholders across the public, private and third sectors.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
28th Jun 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to consult on their White Paper on Levelling Up.

The Levelling Up unit has been established to produce the Levelling Up White Paper, working closely with Neil O’Brien MP (PM’s Levelling Up adviser) and departments.

Strengthening the Union is at the heart of this agenda and the White Paper will be informed by engagement across the UK nations, working with departments, including the Territorial Offices. The Unit has and will continue to engage with representatives from the local government sector and with all other relevant stakeholders across the public, private and third sectors.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
25th Jun 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether (1) a Member of Parliament in Northern Ireland, or (2) a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, will have a vote on new legislation brought forward to (a) amend, or (b) replace, the Annexes to the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

In such situations, new EU law within the scope of the Protocol takes effect in line with Articles 13(3) and 13(4) of the Protocol. For any changes requiring further implementing legislation in the UK Parliament or the Northern Ireland Assembly, the ordinary scrutiny processes apply. Otherwise, the amending EU law applies directly.

It is because this situation is so unusual from the democratic perspective that the Protocol incorporates a consent mechanism to allow for the Northern Ireland Assembly to determine whether Articles 5-10 should continue to apply.

12th May 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what consultations they plan to have with the devolved governments on the proposed Parliamentary Partnership Assembly set out in the UK–EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement.

It is a matter for the UK Parliament, which is of course composed of members across the UK, reflecting views from across the UK, to consider the potential shape of the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, within the framework set out in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

12th May 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the response by Lord Frost on 29 April (HL Deb, col 2397) that "because of legislation passed by the EU, Northern Ireland does not benefit from certain TRQs in the same way as the rest of the UK", what tariff rate quotas (TRQs) are affected; what is the specific legislation from the European Parliament referred to; and what steps they are taking to ensure that Northern Ireland can benefit from those TRQs in the same way as the rest of the UK.

On 16 December 2020, the EU unilaterally introduced Regulation 2020/2170 on the application of Union tariff rate quotas (TRQs) and other import quotas.

The UK has underlined to the Commission that this is a matter requiring urgent consideration as part of addressing issues with the operation of the Protocol. If strictly applied, the Regulation would mean that importing goods subject to any EU tariff rate quotas or other import quotas directly into Northern Ireland would be unable to access either EU or Great Britain quotas, and would need to pay the EU tariff. This would leave Northern Ireland importers in a uniquely disadvantaged position compared to their counterparts in Great Britain and the EU.

We have already taken steps to put arrangements in place to ensure that steel from the United Kingdom or the Rest of the World can be brought into Northern Ireland without being subject to tariffs. This avoids disruption to businesses and operators in Northern Ireland.

However, this is an issue requiring a broader and more permanent solution and we continue to discuss this with the EU.

12th May 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what role members of (1) the UK Parliament, and (2) the Northern Ireland Assembly, have in regards to the passing of laws for Northern Ireland on matters covered by the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

The relevant implementing legislation for rules applied in Northern Ireland was brought forward and passed through the UK Parliament and Northern Ireland Assembly. This will continue to be the case for the transposition of any new rules made applicable by the Protocol which require domestic implementation.

Where new EU legislation is brought forward which amend or replace acts contained within the Annexes to the Protocol, Article 15 provides for appropriate information and exchanges of information through the Joint Consultative Working Group. A representative of the Northern Ireland Executive forms part of the UK delegation to this group. Where a new EU law is brought forward that is within scope of the Protocol but which neither amends nor replaces an EU act listed in the Protocol, Article 13 provides that Joint Committee agreement is required for it to be applied in Northern Ireland. Again the Northern Ireland Executive will form part of the UK’s delegation at the Joint Committee and will be consulted as part of the position to be adopted in such cases. We have committed to providing the appropriate means for Parliamentary scrutiny of legislation within scope of the Protocol.

12th May 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the process which applies for the making of laws in Northern Ireland on matters covered by the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

The relevant implementing legislation for rules applied in Northern Ireland was brought forward and passed through the UK Parliament and Northern Ireland Assembly. This will continue to be the case for the transposition of any new rules made applicable by the Protocol which require domestic implementation.

Where new EU legislation is brought forward which amend or replace acts contained within the Annexes to the Protocol, Article 15 provides for appropriate information and exchanges of information through the Joint Consultative Working Group. A representative of the Northern Ireland Executive forms part of the UK delegation to this group. Where a new EU law is brought forward that is within scope of the Protocol but which neither amends nor replaces an EU act listed in the Protocol, Article 13 provides that Joint Committee agreement is required for it to be applied in Northern Ireland. Again the Northern Ireland Executive will form part of the UK’s delegation at the Joint Committee and will be consulted as part of the position to be adopted in such cases. We have committed to providing the appropriate means for Parliamentary scrutiny of legislation within scope of the Protocol.

14th Apr 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the extra costs to businesses in the UK of trading within the UK as a result of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

The Protocol has had a direct impact on businesses moving goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. That is why we have provided extensive support to such businesses, including the Trader Support Service (TAS) - which has supported over 400,000 consignments since 1 January, the Movement Assistance Scheme (MAS) - to support traders with new requirements for moving agri-food goods and, in due course, a new Digital Assistance Scheme to support supermarkets and their suppliers.

The TSS and MAS not only assist traders with any relevant paperwork but also cover the related costs, including the costs of any veterinary inspections, required for Export Health Certificates.

We continue to engage intensively with businesses to understand the challenges faced and find solutions.

17th Dec 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they have made in discussions with the government of Ireland on ensuring the unfettered movement of goods which travel from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK via the Republic of Ireland.

Our priority throughout 2020 was to give effect to unfettered access in UK law. This has now been done: the definition of “qualifying Northern Ireland goods” to apply from 1 January, as part of our phased approach has been set out; and we have included protections via the UK Internal Market Act 2020 to prohibit new checks and controls, and ensure Northern Ireland goods can continue to access the whole UK market.

During the first phase, we have implemented measures to ensure there are no tariffs due on qualifying goods moving via the Republic of Ireland. Otherwise those movements will be subject to the requirements of our overall phased controls model. This process will be further simplified during the course of 2021 as we bring forward the second, longer-term phase of our unfettered access model. That second phase will identify “qualifying” goods moved by businesses established in Northern Ireland and will be given effect in a light-touch using existing port and airport check-in processes. This will apply whether goods are moved directly from NI to GB, or indirectly via the Republic of Ireland.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
6th Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of the United States about the promises of investment made by the US President in his 12 April 2023 address at Ulster University.

The UK Government and Invest Northern Ireland hosted the NI Investment Summit in September, which was a great success in showcasing Northern Ireland’s innovation and technological strengths to around 200 global investors. A US trade delegation visited Norther Ireland in October, during which the New York State Common Retirement Fund announced a new $50m investment into companies based in Northern Ireland


Our network in the US continues to promote Northern Ireland as a prime investment destination. UK Government ministers are participating in a series of engagements around St Patrick's Day to strengthen the vital transatlantic partnership between the US and Northern Ireland.

Lord Johnson of Lainston
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
9th Mar 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what powers, beyond monitoring, will be given to the Office of the Internal Market under paragraph 52 of the Windsor Framework.

As set out in paragraph 52 of the Windsor Framework the Office of the Internal Market (OIM) will make full use of its remit by specifically monitoring any impacts for Northern Ireland arising from relevant future regulatory changes.

Furthermore, the Government has committed that, in cases where Northern Ireland authorities request that the OIM specifically investigate a concern about a future UK regulatory change, we will provide a full response to any OIM report, taking into account the real-world impacts the report raises.

Lord Johnson of Lainston
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
9th Dec 2022
To ask His Majesty's Government why they have changed the proposed method for distributing energy support payments to people in Northern Ireland.

Full details of the scheme, including how and when customers will receive the support, will be published as soon as possible.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
15th Sep 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Northern Ireland Executive about the Subsidy Control Bill and its implications for Northern Ireland under the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

The UK Government has been engaging regularly with the Northern Ireland Executive on the Subsidy Control Bill, at official and ministerial level. BEIS officials have met with Northern Ireland Executive officials 23 times since September 2020. BEIS Ministers have also met with Northern Ireland Executive Ministers 6 times since September 2020. The primary purpose of these discussions has been to discuss the detail of the Subsidy Control Bill, and to invite feedback from Northern Ireland Executive Ministers and officials. We are committed to continuing our close engagement with the Northern Ireland Executive, including as the Bill passes through Parliament.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Feb 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what financial commitments they have made towards the redevelopment of Casement Park in Belfast.

The Department for Communities in Northern Ireland is responsible for the procurement process for the redevelopment of Casement Park. Funding decisions are therefore for the Northern Ireland Executive to consider.

His Majesty’s Government is working closely with partners in Northern Ireland to make sure that EURO 2028 leaves a lasting legacy across the whole United Kingdom.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
13th Jul 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure the safety and security of spectators at future major football events.

The safety of all those who attend sporting fixtures is a priority for the government. We fund the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) whose purpose is to ensure sports grounds are safe for everyone. While it is the responsibility of individual clubs and venue owners to take the necessary steps to put in place reasonable protection for spectators at events, the SGSA provides support to minimise risk and help deliver safe events. It does this by setting high standards for safety in its internationally-renowned Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds, and through its expert team of inspectors who provide first-rate advice across all areas of sports grounds safety to individual clubs and grounds.

Additionally, the SGSA enforces the Government’s all-seater policy by issuing annual licenses to all grounds of clubs in the Premier League and Football League along with Wembley and the Principality Stadium. Under the Football Spectators Act 1989, the clubs of these grounds are unable to admit spectators without a licence issued by the SGSA.

Following incidents of public disorder at the UEFA EURO 2020 finals held at Wembley on 11 July, all key local partners and expert bodies, including the FA, UEFA, City Hall, the Metropolitan police, local authority and SGSA are investigating the events that took place in and around the stadium to ensure that robust plans are in place to prevent a recurrence.

Baroness Barran
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
18th Mar 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Northern Ireland Executive about the joint bid for hosting the FIFA Men's World Cup in 2030.

We regularly engage with the Northern Ireland Executive, as well as the other Devolved Administrations, on a range of sporting matters. This includes discussions around a potential UK and Ireland bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup which is being coordinated across the five Football Associations in the UK and Ireland.

Baroness Barran
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
28th Feb 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether, prior to the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, seed potatoes could be moved by professional operators to consumers in Northern Ireland.

We have lifted the ban on the movement of seed potatoes - under the Windsor Framework they can now move from Great Britain to Northern Ireland under the NI Plant Health Label scheme. Currently movements are required to be made between registered professional operators in Great Britain to professional operators in Northern Ireland for commercial growing in Northern Ireland. Once planted in Northern Ireland and grown into potatoes for consumption, or used to produce further seed potatoes, they can be sold into Northern Ireland retailers and garden centres.

Lord Douglas-Miller
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
21st Feb 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government which species of tree are currently prohibited from being moved from Great Britain to Northern Ireland for planting in Northern Ireland.

All information on high-risk plants, including the latest information on the plants’ dossiers and those where the bans have been lifted, can be found at the ‘Plant Portal’ on gov.uk. The Government continues to proactively engage with industry to understand where further action is needed and prepare and submit dossiers for scientific assessment.

Through the Windsor Framework, we have already lifted the ban on the most urgent eleven priority species, these being European beech, English oak, Sessile oak, Norway Maple, Japanese maple, Sycamore maple, Field Maple, Crab apple, Common apple, Hawthorn and two types of privet (wax leaf and delavey).

The ban on common hazel will be lifted soon, which will be followed by another seven species that industry has prioritised. We will continue to work with industry to identify further species as needed.

Lord Douglas-Miller
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
21st Feb 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what are the current requirements regarding the re-tagging of livestock born in Great Britain and being moved to Northern Ireland.

Following work with the livestock sector, an easement negotiated by the Government with the European Commission means that cattle, sheep, or goats that already have UK tags that are moving to Northern Ireland from Great Britain do not now need to be reidentified in Great Britain with either a new pair of ‘GB’ tags or have a third ‘GB’ export tag added. Farmers are now able to move them with their existing 'UK' tags. DAERA website guidance advising keepers that these animals had to be identified with GB tags before they are moved to NI has been removed.

Lord Douglas-Miller
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
14th Feb 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Douglas-Miller on 6 February (HL1687), whether there are current negotiations with the EU on the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland.

The Government is committed to securing a long-term sustainable solution ahead of December 2025 that will properly support the flow of veterinary medicines into Northern Ireland from Great Britain on an enduring basis.

It remains our priority to find a solution that removes the barriers to supply of veterinary medicines into NI through technical talks with the EU.

The Government is very clear that in all scenarios it is imperative to safeguard the supply of veterinary medicines to NI, and if necessary we will deploy all available flexibilities in line with our legal obligations.

Lord Douglas-Miller
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
9th Feb 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, following publication of the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper (CP 1021) on 31 January, whether seed potatoes can now be moved by professional operators in Great Britain to consumers in Northern Ireland.

Under the Windsor Framework’s Northern Ireland (NI) Plant Health Label scheme, previously banned seed potatoes are once again available to move to NI from other parts of the UK.

Noting the high health status of seed potatoes, they must move between professional operators, which include farmers, growers and gardeners. Once planted in NI, the new crop of seed potatoes can be sold with no restrictions. This reflects long standing arrangements for biosecurity within Great Britain (GB) and NI and the need to protect the high plant health status in NI.

As stated in the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper, we will engage with the farming and horticultural industry to resolve any remaining issues for the movement of plant products, including seed potatoes, between GB and NI.

Lord Douglas-Miller
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
11th Jan 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Wine (Revocation and Consequential Provision) Regulations 2023 permit the removal of the importer labelling requirement for wine imported directly into Northern Ireland from (1) the EU, and (2) the rest of the world.

The Wine (Revocation and Consequential Provision) Regulations 2023 apply to England only. Under the terms of the Windsor Framework, EU law applies to the import and marketing of wine in Northern Ireland. As a result, wine that is directly moved to Northern Ireland from the EU would not need an importer label, but wine imported directly to Northern Ireland from the rest of the world would need an importer to be shown. However, wine moving from GB to Northern Ireland under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme would not need to show a Northern Ireland importer.

Lord Douglas-Miller
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
11th Jan 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of differences between the law on animal welfare in transport in Northern Ireland and that in England, and of the impact upon trade.

Northern Ireland operates under EU Regulation 1/2005 on the protection of animal welfare during transport and related activities. In England, minor operability amendments have been made to this Regulation, which is now assimilated legislation and as such we do not expect there to be any impact on trade.

Lord Douglas-Miller
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
29th Nov 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government why it is not possible to ban the export of live animals from Northern Ireland.

The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill will not apply in Northern Ireland, to ensure that farmers in Northern Ireland have unfettered access to the UK and Republic of Ireland markets. Under the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland will continue to follow EU legislation on animal welfare in transport.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Nov 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Wine (Revocation and Consequential Provision) Regulations 2023, which amend current importer labelling requirements for wine, will apply to wine entering Northern Ireland.

The Wine (Revocation and Consequential Provision) Regulations 2023 will remove the importer labelling requirement for wine imported into England. The benefits of this change will also apply to wine being moved to Northern Ireland where the Windsor Framework Retail Movement Scheme green lane arrangements are used.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Jul 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the European Commission proposal to ban the use of recycled rubber infill in artificial pitches, and in particular of its differential impact on (1) Great Britain, and (2) Northern Ireland.

Based on our commitment to having control of our own laws, the UK has now implemented its own regulatory framework. The EU proposal to ban the use of microplastics in sports pitches will not apply in Great Britain. EU REACH continues to apply in Northern Ireland, where the ban will apply following an 8-year transition period. The scientific and socio-economic evidence to support the EU proposal was considered as part of the EU REACH restriction process. We continue to monitor developments in EU REACH, and consider their impacts for Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
8th Feb 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure businesses in England can continue to supply businesses in Northern Ireland following the passage of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill.

We have discussed our proposed policy changes with all the Devolved Administrations and will continue to keep them informed as the Bill is implemented through commencement regulations.

Under the current NI Protocol arrangements, any goods placed on the market in Northern Ireland, regardless of whether they originate from Great Britain or anywhere else in the world, are required to comply with relevant EU law which remains directly applicable within Northern Ireland under the terms of the Protocol. This means that precision bred organisms will not be able to be imported into Northern Ireland unless approved and labelled as a GMO.

In addition to gaining approval of precision bred status, precision bred crops in England will still need to follow the approval process for new traditionally bred crops. Therefore, we predict it will be several years before domestically produced precision bred crops will be on the market for farmers and consumers. Of the products we expect to come to market during that timeframe, we have not identified any commodity traded between Great Britain and Northern Ireland that would be singled out for significant impact by this restriction.

The EU has recently concluded a public consultation on its future regulation of plants, and their food and feed products, obtained using ‘New Genomic Techniques’. This indicates that the EU may take a similar approach to that of England in creating a new regulatory regime for precision bred plants, where the genetic changes could have arisen through traditional breeding. We will continue to monitor the position of the EU on precision bred products and on UK/EU trade implications for products developed using precision breeding.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
8th Feb 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the regulatory divergence between Great Britain and Northern Ireland that may occur as a result of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill.

We have discussed our proposed policy changes with all the Devolved Administrations and will continue to keep them informed as the Bill is implemented through commencement regulations.

Under the current NI Protocol arrangements, any goods placed on the market in Northern Ireland, regardless of whether they originate from Great Britain or anywhere else in the world, are required to comply with relevant EU law which remains directly applicable within Northern Ireland under the terms of the Protocol. This means that precision bred organisms will not be able to be imported into Northern Ireland unless approved and labelled as a GMO.

In addition to gaining approval of precision bred status, precision bred crops in England will still need to follow the approval process for new traditionally bred crops. Therefore, we predict it will be several years before domestically produced precision bred crops will be on the market for farmers and consumers. Of the products we expect to come to market during that timeframe, we have not identified any commodity traded between Great Britain and Northern Ireland that would be singled out for significant impact by this restriction.

The EU has recently concluded a public consultation on its future regulation of plants, and their food and feed products, obtained using ‘New Genomic Techniques’. This indicates that the EU may take a similar approach to that of England in creating a new regulatory regime for precision bred plants, where the genetic changes could have arisen through traditional breeding. We will continue to monitor the position of the EU on precision bred products and on UK/EU trade implications for products developed using precision breeding.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
8th Feb 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps will be required under the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland for any changes to the Bread and Flour Regulations 1988; and how long they estimate the requirements of the Protocol will take to fulfil in this regard.

HM Government and the devolved administrations are working together to bring forward changes to the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998 having consulted on proposals between 1st September and 23rd November 2022.

As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), we will be required to notify the WTO providing 60 days for members to comment on the changes. There is also a legal requirement to notify the EU Commission of any new mandatory fortification measures applicable to Northern Ireland. With regards to the proposal to add folic acid to flour this will be required six months before adoption.

Both of these notifications can be made at the same time and progress in parallel.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Oct 2022
To ask His Majesty's Government what is the total cost to date of the Movement Assistance Scheme since its creation.

The total cost of the Movement Assistance Scheme up to 31 August 2022, the latest date for which data is available, was £17.92 million.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
7th Apr 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the current rabies requirements for Ukrainian animals arriving into (1) England, (2) Scotland, (3) Northern Ireland, and (4) Wales; and if there are any differences between those requirements, what are the reasons for those differences.

We are processing Ukrainian pet import applications as quickly as possible, whilst maintaining our biosecurity standards. The UK has been rabies-free for many years, and we wish to remain so.

The current requirements for a cat, dog or ferret to enter the United Kingdom from Ukraine are as follows:

  • they have been identified by a microchip or a clearly readable tattoo applied before 03 July 2011 prior to vaccination;
  • after 12 weeks of age, have been vaccinated against rabies;
  • at least 30 days after the preceding primary vaccination within a current valid vaccination series (or the last of the primary course of vaccinations) a blood sample must be drawn and sent to a European Union (EU) approved laboratory for testing;
  • a satisfactory blood test result must show the rabies antibody titre was equal to or greater than 0.5 IU/ml;
  • the animal must complete a waiting period of 3 calendar months after the date that the sample was drawn;
  • in the case of dogs be treated for Echinococcus multilocularis (tapeworm) with an approved product not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours prior to arrival in UK.

However, the Government recognises that people fleeing Ukraine with their pets may not have been able to complete this process, or may not have paperwork verifying their pet’s health status. We have therefore put in place new emergency support for those fleeing Ukraine with their pets. Using an emergency licence, people fleeing Ukraine can bring their non-compliant pets to the UK with any quarantine costs met by the Government.

The maximum stay in quarantine for a pet which has received no rabies vaccination is four months. England, Wales and Scotland have introduced a new rabies ELISA blood test that confirms rabies vaccination through detection of rabies antibodies. This will help in instances where refugees have travelled without vaccination paperwork.

Results can be turned around in a minimum of 3 days with some animals then moving to isolation if they pass the test. This will help maintain our strict biosecurity measures and allow people to be reunited more quickly with their pets when possible. This test is not available in Northern Ireland which remains aligned with the EU.

These new arrangements are only in place for people fleeing Ukraine with their pets. It is not available to rescue animals, commercial movements or to pets travelling apart from their owners, all of whom must continue to meet the full health requirements before entering the UK.

England and Scotland have temporarily suspended the commercial import of dogs, cats and ferrets if they originate from or have been dispatched from Ukraine, Belarus, Poland or Romania, until 14 May 2022.

There are no other differences to the rabies import requirements of pets between the Devolved Administrations.

31st Mar 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent assessment they have made of (1) the availability of kosher food in Northern Ireland, and (2) the restrictions imposed by the provisions of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, when fully implemented, on the movement of kosher food from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

We recognise the importance of ensuring the Jewish community in Northern Ireland can continue to access kosher meats.

We have been made aware that a supplier decided to stop supplying kosher meat to Northern Ireland. They explained that this was owing to difficulty for them complying with the Official Controls Regulation which applies in Northern Ireland by virtue of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

We have been working with those concerned to identify alternative options. An alternative GB supplier of kosher meats has now been identified.

Goods moving from GB-NI would not need any certification under the proposal set out in the Government’s July 2021 Command Paper, Northern Ireland Protocol – the way forward.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
22nd Mar 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the weekly number of common health entry documents which would need to be presented and processed if the terms of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland were being implemented without arrangements such as grace periods.

The Government does not hold the information on how many common health entry documents (CHEDs) were presented and processed for goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain, as common health entry documents are submitted to Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

According to DAERA’s estimations, if the grace periods were not in place, it is estimated that Northern Ireland’s Points of Entry would be required to process in excess of 12,500 CHEDs per week across all consignment types. These would also require a significant number of identity and physical checks.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)