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<p>Further to the <a href="https://bit.ly/2Tc0cy4" target="_blank">statement by the
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October</a>, the approach outlined in the
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-uks-approach-to-the-northern-ireland-protocol/the-uks-approach-to-the-northern-ireland-protocol"
target="_blank">Command Paper in May</a>, and the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/moving-goods-under-the-northern-ireland-protocol/moving-goods-under-the-northern-ireland-protocol-introduction"
target="_blank">guidance published on 7 August</a> regarding the operation of the
Northern Ireland protocol, the UK Government has been unequivocal in its commitment
to delivering unfettered access for Northern Ireland goods to the rest of the UK market.
This is a clear commitment of the Withdrawal Agreement, and the UK will guarantee
it in legislation before the end of the year.</p><p>The Definition of Qualifying Northern
Ireland Goods (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 sets out the goods that will benefit from
unfettered access in the first instance. This initial approach will be replaced by
a longer-lasting regime during 2021 that will be developed alongside Northern Ireland
businesses, and the Northern Ireland Executive. Further details will be set out in
due course but our approach will ensure that, at all stages, Northern Ireland businesses
will continue to enjoy unfettered access to the whole of the UK market from 1 January
2021.</p><p>The Protocol applies whether or not the UK and EU reach agreement on a
free trade agreement.</p><p>The Government has no plans to publish a Border Operating
Model for goods' movement between Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the simple
reason that - as the Withdrawal Agreement makes clear - there is no border within
the UK, and the UK as a whole will be leaving the EU's customs territory at the end
of the transition period. The Government has however committed to publishing further
detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved,
including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.
This is the case on the question of goods 'at risk', as well as further detail on
labelling requirements for agrifood goods.</p><p>Further to Article 15 (2) of the
Protocol and my answer to <a href="https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2020-10-06/99785"
target="_blank">PQ 99785,</a> the membership of the Joint Consultative Working Group
will be composed of representatives of the UK, including the Northern Ireland Executive,
and the EU. The Group will meet shortly.</p><p>Regarding the supply of medicines,
discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee are ongoing.</p>
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