Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the benefits of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland are protected, and in particular the movement of goods in the island of Ireland.

The Protocol ensures that there will be no hard border with Ireland and that Northern Ireland will continue to have full access to the EU Single Market for goods.

On 30 April, the first meeting of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Specialised Committee was held via video conference, co-chaired by officials from the UK Government and European Commission.

A representative from the Northern Ireland Executive attended as part of the UK delegation in line with the commitment made in the New Decade, New Approach deal. The UK was clear that our approach at all times will be focused on protecting the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and gains of the peace process, and on preserving Northern Ireland’s place in the UK consistent with the principle of consent.