Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that new car prices in Northern Ireland could increase by around £4,000 compared to Great Britain by 2026 under new regulatory divergence; what steps they are taking to prevent the emergence of a divided UK car market; and what discussions they are having with relevant UK and EU partners about that issue.

This Government is committed to meeting our obligations under the Windsor Framework relating to the approval of vehicles for the market in Northern Ireland, and to ensuring that consumers in NI are not restricted in their choice of vehicles.

Since the requirements for vehicle approval in Great Britain are derived from the EU's it makes sense to consider amendments made by the EU favourably. This government closely monitors those amendments and takes an explicit presumption in favour of alignment with them.

To this end the government will consult on proposals to align with Euro 6e emissions regulations, and is considering options for requiring the fitment of the safety technologies mandated by the EU's general safety regulation.

The government meets regularly with individual manufacturers, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and has met the National Franchise Dealers Association to understand the issues facing them, including those caused by misalignment between the GB and EU schemes.