Strengthening the Union: GB and NI
Wednesday, 21 May 2025
Contributions
Jim Allister (North Antrim) (TUV)Traditional Unionist Voice
8. What steps he has taken to strengthen the Union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)Labour
The Union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which we will discuss next month at the East-West Council, remains strong. The deal with the EU will enable the smooth flow of agrifood and plants within the UK’s internal market. That is why it has been overwhelmingly welcomed by businesses.
In referring to the deal with the EU, what the Secretary of State ignores, of course, is that Northern Ireland continues to be under a foreign customs code, which means that there are still customs checks on all goods, including agriculture goods, moving within the United Kingdom. Ideologically and personally, is he committed to the Union? I am not asking if he is committed to the consent principle; any separatist can accept that. Is he personally and ideologically a Unionist?
The Government and I support the Union, and I also support the Good Friday agreement. I point out to the hon. and learned Gentleman that when it comes to customs arrangements, there are no mandatory checks. There are checks that apply generally on the basis of risk and intelligence.
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Source: UK Parliament Hansard API. Debate ID: 4921556.