Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 31
31
The UK government set out its proposals in a July 2021 Command Paper.96 The Cabinet...
Conclusion
The UK government set out its proposals in a July 2021 Command Paper.96 The Cabinet Office told us that it wants to apply a risk-based approach whereby for most goods only those which are at risk of crossing from Northern Ireland into the EU customs area in Ireland are subject to checks.97 This would mean forming a trusted trader scheme within which companies would certify whether their goods moving from Great Britain into Northern Ireland would stay within the UK with a light-touch assurance regime for this scheme.98 The Cabinet Office told us that the EU has responded in the ongoing negotiations with some practical approaches of its own. The Cabinet Office also told us that the EU has begun to open up to ideas that they had previously said could not be done. Negotiations remain ongoing, and the Cabinet Office told us that, with good will and constructive approaches on both sides, it is hopeful of resolution.99 91 Q 78 92 C&AG’s Report, para 4.15 93 Q 193 94 Q 199 95 Q 73 96 HM Government, Northern Ireland Protocol: the way forward, CP 502, July 2021 97 Q 187 98 C&AG’s Report, para 4.3 99 Q 74 20 EU Exit: UK Border post transition
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
8: PAC conclusion: Businesses have faced challenges operating under the Northern Ireland Protocol which need to be resolved. 8: PAC recommendation: Government should continue its efforts to resolve the challenges of the Protocol and ensure that departments are ready to put any negotiated outcome into operation, and that it has prepared for any contingencies which may be required if an agreement cannot be reached between the UK and the EU. Alongside the Treasury Minute, it should write to the Committee to update on the state of negotiations and the operational implications. 8.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 8.2 The government has been in intensive talks with the EU since October 2021 to resolve the challenges with the Northern Ireland Protocol, though remain some distance apart in reaching a negotiated outcome. The government continues to work to prepare for whatever outcome is reached. Ministers will continue to update Parliament on progress, including appearances in front of Select Committees where appropriate.