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Lord Browne of Belmont (DUP)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 11 November 2024

Debate

Radio Equipment (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2024

Contribution

My Lords, this is yet another example of Northern Ireland being subject to EU laws under the Northern Ireland protocol and Windsor agreement so, first, I declare that I remain 100% opposed to the Windsor Framework and the protocol. I will ask the Minister a few questions but, before that, I should say that many chargers on the market are extremely dangerous. They are coming in from abroad and have been responsible for setting fire to many properties, so I believe that these chargers should be regulated. Having said that, does this instrument apply to Great Britain? If it is so important in Northern Ireland, why has it not been rolled out across the rest of the United Kingdom? Also, who will be responsible for enforcement? Will the prosecutions apply to the manufacturer, the distributor or the retailer? Because the instrument will apply to just Northern Ireland, will these chargers have to be stamped with something like, “Suitable for use only in Northern Ireland”? This will add to the cost. At present, British Telecom is installing new digital telephones in Northern Ireland, but these will not be able to contact the emergency services if there is a power cut. There is a battery, which will last for one hour; after that, they will not be able to contact the emergency services unless they are attached to a battery or a charger. Will this instrument also apply to chargers for these phones so that elderly people can contact the emergency services?

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