Written question asked by Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party) on Thursday, 7 March 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 March 2024. It was answered by Lord Douglas-Miller (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 March 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

UK Internal Trade: Northern Ireland

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have sought to canvass the views of the EU Council of Ministers and MEPs about their readiness to remove those requirements set out by Article 4(3) of EU Regulation 2023/1231 before committing to remove statutory quotas for identity checks pertaining to the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland beyond the red lane.

Answer: The Government has been clear that there will be no checks when goods move within the UK internal market system save those conducted by UK authorities as part of a risk-based or intelligence-led approach to tackle criminality, abuse of the scheme, smuggling and disease risks. This is a matter for the UK Government. The Government meets regularly with the European Union to discuss matters under the Windsor Framework and as set out in the Command Paper, we will transition to new arrangements over the coming months.

Secondary information