Member

That is an intolerable position and a situation that cannot pertain in the long run. If the Government think it is necessary that goods from the Irish Republic and outside the United Kingdom should be subject to full SPS compliance for health and consumer protection purposes, why is the same not true for that part of the United Kingdom where people in Northern Ireland reside? If such goods are staying in Northern Ireland, there are no such checks or compliance—nothing. Are the people of Northern Ireland regarded as lesser citizens, not worthy of that protection that the citizens of England, Wales and Scotland are entitled to? Perhaps the Minister could address that very important point.