Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Northern Ireland Executive about the operation of ports during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government has been working closely with the NI Executive to maintain vital supply chains between GB and NI during the Covid-19 pandemic.

We have agreed a generous package (worth up to £17m) to support the five key ferry routes which will secure the supply of food, medicines and other essentials for the next two months and help keep Northern Ireland moving. These routes will continue to operate from Larne, Belfast and Warrenpoint ports. The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed it will meet 40% of the costs.

The Government will continue to work with the Executive to make sure supply lines between NI and GB remain open.