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<p>As I made clear in my statement to the House on 2 February, there is an urgent
need to address all outstanding issues relating to the Northern Ireland Protocol in
order to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland and restore confidence. The letter
sent to Vice-President Sefcovic by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, on 2
February, sets out the issues that the UK Government consider must be addressed, including
grace periods.</p><p>The Government continues to regularly engage and work with stakeholders,
including suppliers and hauliers in Great Britain. To assist traders, this Government
launched the £200m Trader Support Service in December 2020, providing guidance, training
and support for businesses in Great Britain and Northern Ireland on moving goods and
any limited processes that may apply. Over 32,000 traders have registered, so far,
for this service - including 3,000 hauliers.</p><p>In the days immediately following
the end of the transition period, we were aware of a small number of traders who temporarily
suspended deliveries to Northern Ireland. We are keeping this under review.</p><p>COVID-19
remains the main economic pressure being faced in Northern Ireland but the Government
continues to monitor the flow of goods into Northern Ireland.</p><p> </p>
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