Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Ian Paisley Excerpts
Wednesday 30th October 2019

(4 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Julian Smith Portrait Julian Smith
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I am having proactive discussions with the Treasury, and I agree that we need to have no costs and no barriers for Northern Ireland business.

Ian Paisley Portrait Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP)
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In the light of that answer, how does a Unionist Secretary of State justify export declarations on £18.5 billion-worth of trade flowing from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, and what charge will be placed on that £18.5 billion-worth of trade?

Julian Smith Portrait Julian Smith
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Through this agreement, the United Kingdom maintains total control of how that is applied. As my hon. Friend knows, we are working day in, day out to ensure that Northern Irish businesses can send their goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain with absolutely unfettered access.