NI Secretary quizzed on Brexit impact on NI-GB trade and security

• Parliament TV: Brexit and the Nothern Ireland Protocol
• Inquiry: Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol
• Northern Ireland Affairs Committee

The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement agreed on 24 December set out the future security and trade relationship with the EU and provided some clarity over how PSNI and the Irish Gardai can continue to co-operate on cross-border investigations.

On 13 January, security experts told the Committee that although the new security relationship protects access to some key databases, the sharing of some key data and the processing of extradition requests may take longer. Experts also raised concerns that a departure from the European Convention on Human Rights by the UK Government could jeopardise security co-operation.

Alongside the Northern Ireland Protocol, the Agreement governs how trade flows between GB and Northern Ireland. Following the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December, consumers in Northern Ireland have experienced a reduced selection of products while some GB-based companies have refused to deliver to Northern Ireland addresses.

Likely areas of questioning

MPs are also expected to ask Mr Lewis about:

• progress made on commitments in New Decade, New Approach;
• the Shawcross Report on Libya-sponsored IRA terrorism; and
• Covid-19 response and vaccine rollout.

Witness

Wednesday 20 Januray 2021

At 14.30:

• Rt Hon. Brandon Lewis MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: Parliamentary copyright