Recommendation 28

The Northern Ireland Protocol came into operation from 1 January 2021, with grace periods delaying the requirements for some checks and preparations.87 Government told us that the requirements of the Protocol had had a significant impact on Northern Ireland trade including causing considerable diversion of trade.88 For example, trade between Northern Ireland and Ireland has increased significantly – goods flowing from Northern Ireland to Ireland having increased by 61% year on year between January and August 2021 and goods from Ireland to Northern Ireland increased by 47% over the same period.89 We also know from examples in our own constituencies that businesses have incurred significant increased costs as well as delays in moving goods because of Protocol requirements.90