Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 8 November 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 November 2022. It was answered by Mark Spencer (Conservative) on Monday, 21 November 2022 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Agriculture: Northern Ireland

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on restoring smooth and frictionless trade for farmers in Northern Ireland.

Answer: UK Government Ministers meet regularly to discuss the Northern Ireland Protocol, including the impact to Northern Ireland’s agriculture sector. There are serious issues with how the Northern Ireland Protocol is currently operating. We are determined to resolve these issues, preferably through talks and negotiations or, if need be, via legislation. Defra officials also meet frequently with organisations from the whole Northern Ireland agri-food supply chain, including Northern Ireland farmers.

Secondary information