AQW 4995/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 20/10/2022
Answered On Date: 26/10/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail the official discussions he has had with the Ulster Farmer’s Union on the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill.

Answer:

I have not had any official engagement with the Ulster Farmers’ Union to discuss the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill.

However, I am repeatedly on record saying that the Northern Ireland Protocol is unworkable for businesses and unnecessary.

I welcome the progression of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill through Parliament since its introduction on 13 June, and I await the outcome of the next stage, the House of Lords Committee stage, with four sittings scheduled between now and 07 November 2022.