Regarding the movement of people, the UK and Irish governments have made firm commitments to protect Common Travel Area arrangements, including the associated rights of British and Irish citizens in each other's state. Article 3 of the revised Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland allows the UK and Ireland to continue these arrangements after EU Exit.<\/p>
Northern Ireland remains part of the UK\u2019s single customs territory.The Prime Minister has been clear that, beyond the limited changes introduced by the Northern Ireland Protocol, there will be no changes to GB-NI trade in goods.<\/p>
Under the terms of the Protocol no tariffs will be paid on goods moving within the United Kingdom unless they are destined to enter the EU via the Republic of Ireland.<\/p>
Once we leave the EU, the UK will cease to be a Member State. Movements of goods from Great Britain to the Republic of Ireland will be subject to the arrangements concluded by the UK and the EU as part of the future relationship. We are aiming for an ambitious agreement with the EU with zero tariffs and quotas which could, depending on what is agreed, replace the Protocol.<\/p>
In the Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration, both sides have committed to use their best endeavours to negotiate that agreement by the end of this year.<\/p>
Most importantly, the special arrangements provided for in the Protocol are subject to the democratic consent of the people of Northern Ireland, ensuring that if they find the arrangements of the Protocol unsatisfactory for any reason they have the choice to bring those arrangements to an end.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1559", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir James Duddridge"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Rochford and Southend East"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "James Duddridge"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-01-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-01-23T15:41:06.62Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "203"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Exiting the European Union "} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Exiting the European Union "} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-01-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Borders: Northern Ireland"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether there will be checks and controls for (a) people and (b) goods entering the island of Ireland from Great Britain after the UK leaves the EU.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4716", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Ruth Jones"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Newport West"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Ruth Jones"} ], "uin" : "3889"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1144888", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Exiting the European Union "} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1144888/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government welcomes the reports by the Alternative Arrangements Commission, it is an important contribution. We have considered it alongside input from technical experts and businesses to inform our approach to removing the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland (known as the backstop) and avoiding a hard border in Northern Ireland, in the context of negotiations on the future agreement between the UK and the EU. We remain firmly committed to the Belfast Agreement and we are steadfast in our commitment to do everything in our power to preserve an open border in Northern Ireland.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4336", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Callanan"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Callanan"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-07T15:01:37.033Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "203"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Exiting the European Union "} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Exiting the European Union "} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-09-04", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Borders: Northern Ireland"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their response to the Interim and Final Reports, published by Prosperity UK on 24 June and 18 July, on future arrangements for the border between the UK and the Republic of Ireland, in particular for preserving the integrity of the Belfast Agreement and for avoiding the need for backstop procedures.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/2018", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Hylton"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Hylton"} ], "uin" : "HL17722"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1144145", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Exiting the European Union "} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1144145/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government has now issued a new proposal which means we can leave on 31 October without disruption and in a friendly way. It is a fair and reasonable compromise for all sides that respects the referendum. It contains a special arrangement for Northern Ireland that protects the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and the peace process, and ensures democratic consent for the arrangement.<\/p>
There have been ongoing discussions with the European Union at Prime Ministerial, Ministerial and Sherpa level in recent weeks and these will continue.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4336", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Callanan"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Callanan"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-07T15:00:59.43Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "203"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Exiting the European Union "} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Exiting the European Union "} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-09-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Borders: Northern Ireland"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the EU on technical alternatives to a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4352", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Hay of Ballyore"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Hay of Ballyore"} ], "uin" : "HL17633"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1140041", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Exiting the European Union "} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1140041/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government has been consistently clear in its intention to leave the EU in an orderly way on the basis of a negotiated agreement, and to do so in a way that ensures no hard border on the island of Ireland on a permanent basis.<\/p>
The European Commission acts in negotiations in accordance with the position taken by the European Council, whose last expressed position on renegotiation of the Withdrawal Agreement is set out in the April 10 European Council Conclusions.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4336", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Callanan"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Callanan"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-23T11:18:46.273Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "203"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Exiting the European Union "} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Exiting the European Union "} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-07-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Borders: Northern Ireland"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the European Commission's position on renegotiating the Irish backstop.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1796", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Taylor of Warwick"} ], "uin" : "HL17276"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1134835", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Exiting the European Union "} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1134835/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union has regularly met with the EU Commission to discuss preparations for leaving the EU.<\/p>
The Government has been clear that the unique social, political and economic circumstances of Northern Ireland must be reflected in any arrangements that apply in a no deal scenario. We are absolutely committed to upholding the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, and would do everything possible to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland.<\/p>
In a no deal scenario, the UK Government is committed to entering into discussions urgently with the European Commission and the Irish Government to jointly agree long-term measures to avoid a hard border and to limit the impact of a no deal exit on life on the island of Ireland.<\/p>
We have confirmed a unilateral approach to checks, processes and tariffs to do all we can to avoid a hard border. The UK Government would not introduce any new checks or controls on goods crossing from Ireland to Northern Ireland, including any new customs declarations for nearly all goods.<\/p>
The UK temporary tariff regime would therefore not apply to goods crossing from Ireland into Northern Ireland.<\/p>
We would need to apply a small number of measures strictly necessary to comply with international legal obligations, protect the biosecurity of the island of Ireland, or to avoid the highest risks to Northern Ireland businesses - but these measures would not require checks at the border.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4091", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Robin Walker"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Worcester"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Robin Walker"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-01", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-01T15:10:51.53Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "203"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Exiting the European Union "} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Exiting the European Union "} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-06-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Borders: Northern Ireland"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what recent steps he has taken with the European Commission to ensure that there is not a hard border on the island of Ireland in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4117", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrea Leadsom"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Northamptonshire"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Andrea Leadsom"} ], "uin" : "269730"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1127883", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Exiting the European Union "} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1127883/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government is committed to having a future relationship in place with the EU by the end of December 2020. However, even if the full future relationship is not in place by the end of the implementation period, the Government\u2019s objective is to ensure that the backstop is replaced by alternative arrangements. Both the Withdrawal Agreement and the Political Declaration emphasised the shared determination of the UK and the EU to replace the backstop with an agreement on alternative arrangements.<\/p>
In anticipation, the Government intends to establish three domestic advisory groups: an expert group on trade and customs, a business and trade union group, and a parliamentary group. These groups will engage widely, including with the institutions established under the Belfast Agreement, to ensure the UK\u2019s input is informed by a broad and inclusive range of voices domestically. Amongst other facilitations, the groups will consider work drawing on cutting-edge technological solutions designed to streamline and modernise border controls and support engagement with customs and regulatory processes.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4134", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Spelthorne"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kwasi Kwarteng"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-05-30", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-05-30T12:20:31.11Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "203"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Exiting the European Union "} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Exiting the European Union "} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-05-21", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Borders: Northern Ireland"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what recent assessment he has made of the viability of technological solutions for arrangements to replace the backstop when the UK leaves the EU.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1447", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrew Rosindell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Romford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Andrew Rosindell"} ], "uin" : "257006"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121577", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Exiting the European Union "} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121577/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Prime Minister announced on the 26th February that alternative arrangements to the backstop will be a priority for the UK and EU during the next phase of negotiations.<\/p>
The Government intends to establish three advisory groups to help inform the UK\u2019s negotiations with the EU. The Government will make available £20m of funding to support the development, testing or piloting of ideas that emerge from these groups where the Government believes it would be helpful.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4336", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Callanan"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Callanan"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-04-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-04-25T10:46:53.85Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "203"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Exiting the European Union "} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Exiting the European Union "} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-04-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Borders: Northern Ireland"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have allocated funds for work to find an alternative to the Withdrawal Agreement Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland; and if so, what level of funds have been allocated.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4216", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Empey"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Empey"} ], "uin" : "HL15228"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121578", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Exiting the European Union "} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1121578/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
As part of the deal negotiated, the UK and EU have agreed to consider a joint work stream to develop alternative arrangements to guarantee permanently the absence of a hard border in Northern Ireland. This includes a legally binding commitment that both sides will aim to replace the backstop with alternative arrangements by December 2020 - and that they do not need to replicate the backstop in any respect.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4336", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Callanan"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Callanan"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-04-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-04-25T10:47:28.643Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "203"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Exiting the European Union "} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Exiting the European Union "} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-04-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Borders: Northern Ireland"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what alternatives to the Withdrawal Agreement Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland are currently being considered.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4216", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Empey"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Empey"} ], "uin" : "HL15229"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1088550", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Exiting the European Union "} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1088550/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The UK and EU have agreed to consider a joint work stream to develop alternative arrangements, including the use of technology, to ensure the absence of a hard border, and this work will form an important strand of the next phase of negotiations. Our aim is to ensure that, even if the full future relationship is not in place by the end of the implementation period, the backstop is not needed, because we will have a set of alternative arrangements ready to go. We have secured a legally binding commitment that both sides will aim to replace the backstop with alternative arrangements by December 2020 - and that they do not need to replicate the backstop in any respect.<\/p>
The Government is doing everything we sensibly can to provide for ongoing scrutiny through the negotiating process. We will continue to report regularly to select committees in person and by responding fully to inquiries and reports.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4336", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Callanan"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Callanan"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-03-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-03-26T13:22:36.527Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "203"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Exiting the European Union "} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Exiting the European Union "} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-03-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Borders: Northern Ireland"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Callanan on 13 March (HL13776), how they will ensure that both Houses of Parliament and their relevant select committees are given timely information about the progress and details of the evaluation of \"alternative arrangements\" and \"technologies\"; and whether they will publish the joint work stream agreed with the EU.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3504", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Bassam of Brighton"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Bassam of Brighton"} ], "uin" : "HL14510"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1087520", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Exiting the European Union "} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1087520/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
On 13 March we published details of our plans to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland in a no deal scenario. We have confirmed a temporary, unilateral approach to checks, processes and tariffs to do all we can to achieve this. The UK Government would not introduce any new checks or controls on goods crossing from Ireland to Northern Ireland, including any new customs declarations. The UK temporary tariff regime would therefore not apply to goods crossing from Ireland into Northern Ireland.<\/p>
As these are unilateral measures, they only mitigate the impacts from exit that are within the UK Government\u2019s control. These measures do not set out the position in respect of tariffs or processes to be applied to goods moving from Northern Ireland to Ireland. We also recognise that there challenges and risks for maintaining control of our borders and for the competitiveness of businesses in Northern Ireland. That is why we are clear that this approach would be strictly temporary.<\/p>
A negotiated settlement is the only means of sustainably guaranteeing no hard border and protecting businesses in Northern Ireland. In a no deal scenario, we are therefore committed to entering into discussions urgently with the European Commission and the Irish Government to jointly agree long-term measures to avoid a hard border.<\/p>