Oral Answers to Questions

Gregory Campbell Excerpts

Wednesday 21st October 2026 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Mr Gregory Campbell (East Londonderry) (DUP)]

1. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on retail registrations by car dealerships in Northern Ireland.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Sarah Owen)]

Ministers and officials are in regular contact with the Department for Transport on dual approvals for passenger vehicles and Northern Ireland’s automotive sector. The Government remain committed to ensuring that vehicle supply remains as seamless as possible across the whole of the UK. This was shown when the Government secured fairness on the tax treatment of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, supporting dealerships and car buyers.

[Mr Campbell]

Northern Ireland car dealers pay their taxes to the UK Treasury and they must be able to compete on equal terms with dealerships across the rest of the country. At present, they cannot. Action is needed, not just complaints from others. Will the Secretary of State or the Minister meet representatives of Northern Ireland car dealers and talk to their Cabinet colleagues to ensure that cars approved for sale in Great Britain can also be sold new by Northern Ireland dealerships? How soon can this be delivered?

[Sarah Owen]

We are continuing to engage with Northern Ireland car market representatives, as well as the broader UK automotive industry, on issues faced by Northern Ireland car dealers. We want to see the sector go from strength to strength, and I am happy to meet with anybody who shares that mission. I also want to address the fact that the hon. Gentleman has raised the lack of response to a particular letter from the National Franchised Dealers Association. I will ensure that that is rectified by the end of the week, and it will get a response.