Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps the Government has taken to ensure that there are no food shortages in Northern Ireland as a result of the UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement.

The UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement is based on friendly cooperation between sovereign equals, centred on free trade and inspired by our shared history and values. This is the first free trade agreement the EU has ever reached based on zero tariffs and zero quotas and it is fantastic news for families and businesses in every part of the UK, including Northern Ireland.

The deal we have reached on the Northern Ireland Protocol provides a sensible, phased solution under which trusted traders such as supermarkets and their suppliers will benefit from a three month grace period from official certification. We will continue to work closely with traders as they adapt to the new arrangements

From all accounts these grace periods are working well, and where issues do arise, the government has well-established ways of working with the food industry. This includes extensive and ongoing engagement to support industry in preparedness for, and response to, potential food supply chain disruptions.