Asked by: Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Twycross on 28 January (HL4028), what are the (1) names or (2) job titles of the members of the Horticulture Working Group set up in relation to the implementation of the Windsor Framework.
Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The Horticulture Working Group is co-chaired by senior officials from DEFRA and the Cabinet Office, drawing on support from other officials in those departments and across Government as the focus of the agenda requires. Members of the group from outside Government include representatives of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, National Farmers’ Union, the Horticulture Trades Association and leaders of businesses which are members of this body, as well as a small number of other horticultural businesses.
Asked by: Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Twycross on 20 January 2025 (HL3924), what stage has been reached in each of the active infringement proceedings against the UK; and on what date each was commenced
Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The list of active infringement proceedings against the United Kingdom is set out below:
INFR(2020)2202 - Incorrect transposition of the Free Movement Directive by the United Kingdom commenced on 14/05/2020 and has been referred to the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU).
INFR(2011)2054 - Comprehensive sickness insurance requirement and treatment of extended family members with prior residence in the UK commenced on 16/06/2011 and has been referred to the CJEU.
INFR(2016)2150 - Termination of the Intra-EU Bilateral Investment Treaties commenced on 14/05/2020 and has been referred to the CJEU.
INFR(2022)2059 - Non-provision by the United Kingdom of external trade statistics in respect of Northern Ireland, as required by the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland commenced on 15/06/2022 and remains at the formal notice stage.
INFR(2021)2039 - Non-compliance with EU law requirements concerning the movement of agri-food, parcels and pet travel commenced on 15/03/2021 and remains at the reasoned opinion stage.
INFR(2022)2060 - Incorrect implementation by the UK of EU's sanitary and phytosanitary rules, as required by the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland to the Withdrawal Agreement commenced on 15/06/2022 and remains at the formal notice stage.
INFR(2022)2064 - Failure of the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland to implement the Import One Stop Shop for distance sales of imported goods commenced on 22/07/2022 and remains at the formal notice stage.
INFR(2022)2062 - Incorrect implementation of the EU customs legislation by the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland commenced on 22/07/2022 and remains at the formal notice stage.
Infractions 4-8 above relate to the Northern Ireland Protocol and were opened before the UK and EU subsequently agreed the Windsor Framework.
Asked by: Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Twycross on 20 December 2024 (HL3387), who are the members of the Veterinary Medicines Working Group set up in relation to the implementation of the Windsor Framework.
Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The Veterinary Medicines Working Group consists of veterinary experts, including members of the House of Lords and Commons with a veterinary background and representatives of veterinary associations; other political representatives with an interest in the matter; and trade associations representing industry such as pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers and farmers. The updated Terms of Reference, which includes the full list of members, will be deposited in the House of Commons and House of Lords libraries shortly.
Asked by: Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Twycross on 20 December 2024 (HL3387), what secretarial support is being provided to the Horticulture Working Group set up in relation to the implementation of the Windsor Framework; how many meetings have taken evidence; and whether there is any timetable for the group to reach conclusions.
Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
Officials in the Cabinet Office and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs act as the secretariat, supporting the organisation of the Working Group and preparing papers for the Group’s consideration. The group has met twice in 2024 under the current government, with further meetings scheduled in 2025. The next scheduled meeting of the Group is due to take place in February. The group will identify and resolve issues related to the movement of plants and seeds between Great Britain and Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework on an ongoing basis.
Asked by: Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Twycross on 20 December 2024 (HL3387), what secretarial support is being provided to the Veterinary Medicines Working Group set up in relation to the implementation of the Windsor Framework; whether any report or correspondence has yet been issued by the group; and whether there is any timetable for the group to reach conclusions.
Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
Officials in the Cabinet Office, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate act as the secretariat, supporting the organisation of the Working Group and preparing papers for the Group’s consideration.
The Veterinary Medicines Working Group advises the Government on an ongoing basis, recognising the urgency of the issue, and is therefore not expected to deliver a report or conclusion by a particular date. Their expert advice plays a vital role in shaping the Government’s work on this matter. The next meeting is scheduled for early March.
Asked by: Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Twycross on 20 December 2024 (HL3387), who are the members of the Horticulture Working Group set up in relation to the implementation of the Windsor Framework.
Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The Horticulture Working Group is composed of officials from various departments including the Cabinet Office and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, as well as representatives of the National Farmers’ Union, the Ulster Farmers’ Union, various members of the Horticultural Trades Association, and other businesses engaged in horticultural activities in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Asked by: Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will list the infringement proceedings currently being pursued by the EU against the United Kingdom under the EU–UK withdrawal agreement.
Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The list of active infringement proceedings against the United Kingdom are set out below:
INFR(2020)2202 - Incorrect transposition of the Free Movement Directive by the United Kingdom.
INFR(2011)2054 - Comprehensive sickness insurance requirement and treatment of extended family members with prior residence in the UK.
INFR(2016)2150 - Termination of the Intra-EU Bilateral Investment Treaties.
INFR(2022)2059 - Non-provision by the United Kingdom of external trade statistics in respect of Northern Ireland, as required by the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.
INFR(2021)2039 - Non-compliance with EU law requirements concerning the movement of agri-food, parcels and pet travel.
INFR(2022)2060 - Incorrect implementation by the UK of EU's sanitary and phytosanitary rules, as required by the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland to the Withdrawal Agreement.
INFR(2022)2064 - Failure of the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland to implement the Import One Stop Shop for distance sales of imported goods.
INFR(2022)2062 - Incorrect implementation of the EU customs legislation by the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland.
Infractions 4-8 above relate to the Northern Ireland Protocol and were opened before the UK and EU subsequently agreed the Windsor Framework.
Asked by: Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what working groups or committees which include experts from outside the Civil Service they have set up to consider the trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework; how many times each group or committee has met; and what is the membership of each.
Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
This Government is committed to implementing the Windsor Framework and protecting the UK internal market. In furtherance of these commitments and those made in the Safeguarding the Union command paper, the following bodies that include external sector experts have been established:
- Independent Monitoring Panel: Anna Jerzewska, Aidan Reilly and Alastair Hamilton were appointed on 19 September. The Panel has met once under this Government.
- Intertrade UK: Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee was appointed as Chair on 19 September. Since that time, work has continued on other preparatory activity necessary to establish the body. It is expected that Intertrade UK will meet for the first time early in the New Year.
- Horticulture Working Group: Members include a range of trade associations and other industry representatives. The Group has met twice under this Government.
- Veterinary Medicines Working Group: Members include a range of industry representatives and technical experts. The Group has met twice under this Government.
The Government has separately indicated its intention to commission an Independent Review of the operation of Articles 5-10 of the Windsor Framework, in accordance with its duties under the law, and will update Parliament in due course.
Asked by: Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government how much they have spent in each year since 2020 on communicating information about the processes for conducting trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
UK Government expenditure on supporting trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland is not held centrally. The arrangements under the Windsor Framework support a smooth flow of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, significantly reducing costs for both government and businesses compared to the old Protocol.
Asked by: Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government which statutory instruments introduced since 1 January 2021 implement the provisions of the Northern Ireland Protocol/Windsor Framework.
Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
All statutory instruments are available publicly online. However, where explanatory memoranda have been produced on statutory instruments linked to the Framework, these will highlight the relevant legal basis. We will continue to implement the Windsor Framework in good faith and protect the UK internal market.