This afternoon, I had the pleasure of debating the Northern Ireland Protocol as it returned to the Commons for its committee stage debate.

As I have been clear in the past, I largely support this Bill as a necessary way to deal with the complex, sensitive and fluid situation that we see in Northern Ireland. Sadly, the reality is that the protocol is not operating as it is supposed to and much has been made recently on the causes and solutions for this. I have always listened to the differing perspectives on this matter, especially those brought to the debate by parliamentary colleagues from Northern Ireland, as we in Westminster often pay far too little attention. 

What is clear is that our commitment to the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement must remain resolute and beyond doubt. Northern Ireland’s position in the United Kingdom must be protected and we must see a return to the power sharing arrangements at Stormont.

Using this opportunity to dig into the detail of this Bill, I chose to focus my remarks on the disputed matters in the EU-UK Joint Committee. With the changing political situation here at home, we can see that there is an opportunity to reset our relationship with the European Union and to seek a negotiated outcome; an outcome that the Government has indicated is its preferred route. 

This is clearly beneficial for communities across Northern Ireland and for business in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner whose businesses are involved in the single market.

I continue to hope that we reach a negotiated resolution to the complex challenges we see in Northern Ireland in the meantime, however it is right that the Government has the power to act should it need.