Asked by: Paul Kohler (Liberal Democrat - Wimbledon)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what engagement his Department has had with business organisations in Northern Ireland on the practical challenges of complying with dual market access requirements, and what issues have been raised.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Dual market access is a unique trading advantage that can attract further investment in Northern Ireland.
I meet a wide range of businesses in Northern Ireland - and recently visited the Camlin Group, Leckey and the Exact Group who all highlight dual market access as a source of competitive advantage for them.
As set out in the Government’s response to the Independent Review of the Windsor Framework, we are committed to ensuring that businesses can realise these benefits and are taking forward an enhanced ‘one stop shop’ business support service that will support Northern Ireland’s trade within the UK and with the EU markets.
Asked by: Paul Kohler (Liberal Democrat - Wimbledon)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what support his Department is providing to help firms in Northern Ireland maximise the potential benefits of dual market access while managing regulatory and administrative burdens.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Dual market access is a unique trading advantage that can attract further investment in Northern Ireland.
I meet a wide range of businesses in Northern Ireland - and recently visited the Camlin Group, Leckey and the Exact Group who all highlight dual market access as a source of competitive advantage for them.
As set out in the Government’s response to the Independent Review of the Windsor Framework, we are committed to ensuring that businesses can realise these benefits and are taking forward an enhanced ‘one stop shop’ business support service that will support Northern Ireland’s trade within the UK and with the EU markets.
Asked by: Paul Kohler (Liberal Democrat - Wimbledon)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to ensure that projects funded by the Government through the City and Growth Deals initiative in Northern Ireland are delivered effectively; how progress will be monitored; and what assessment he has been made of the potential impact of that initiative on (a) the number jobs in and (b) long-term economic development of Northern Ireland.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The UK Government is investing £617 million through the four City and Growth Deals which cover the whole of Northern Ireland. The four City and Growth Deals are: Belfast Region (£350m); Derry-Londonderry City and Strabane (£50m); Mid South West (£126m); and Causeway Coast and Glens (£36m). The UK Government has also provided £55 million for the Inclusive Future Fund to address social deprivation in the North West region, which is part of the Derry-Londonderry City and Strabane District City Deal.
Each one of the Deals goes through a rigorous six stage development process to ensure the projects within the Deal are aligned to the strategic priorities of the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, as well as long-term economic growth within the corresponding region.
My officials meet regularly with the Northern Ireland Executive, Deal team and delivery partners, through the formal governance process. Each Deal is at a different stage of development, but the two Full Deal Documents of the Belfast Region City Deal and Derry-Londonderry City and Strabane District City Deal set out the impact they will have on their communities and regional economies.
Asked by: Paul Kohler (Liberal Democrat - Wimbledon)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to (a) reduce the potential impact of the Not for EU labelling requirement on GB goods sold in Northern Ireland on costs for businesses and (b) ensure that the (i) Duty Reimbursement Scheme and (ii) Trader Support Service provide effective support to those businesses.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme simplifies the requirements for movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. To be eligible, certain retail goods must be labelled as ‘Not for EU’. To ensure sufficient time for businesses to plan and prepare, the requirements were first communicated in 2023 and were introduced in phases. We have published detailed guidance to support businesses as well as providing 1:1 support as necessary. We continue to work closely with industry to support compliance.
We are committed to ensuring the Duty Reimbursement Scheme works smoothly, including by supporting businesses to access it. The procurement process to extend the Trader Support Service by a further five years, from 2026, is also underway. This procurement provides an opportunity for HMRC and the successful bidder to take into account user needs, to ensure value and to meet our wider technical and strategic priorities.
Asked by: Paul Kohler (Liberal Democrat - Wimbledon)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether his Department has a timetable for implementing the recommendations of the Independent Review of the Windsor Framework by the Rt Hon Lord Murphy, published on 4 September 2025.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Government is considering Lord Murphy’s recommendations and will provide a response, including relevant timeframes, by January 2026, in line with our legal obligations.