The Northern Ireland Protocol

Part of 3. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 3:51 pm on 18 May 2022.

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Photo of Mick Antoniw Mick Antoniw Labour 3:51, 18 May 2022

Well, thank you for that question. I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that the Minister for Economy and the First Minister will utilise every opportunity that there is to ensure that those international interests and UK interests, but in particular the Welsh interests, are at the forefront of any discussions and will use every opportunity to try and bring reason to this situation.

You mentioned the economic impact, and, of course, at a time when there is a cost-of-living crisis, perhaps I could just refer to what the director of the Confederation of British Industry in Northern Ireland has said. If the UK Government doesn't listen to the devolved Governments, then maybe it will listen to the CBI, the voice of business in Northern Ireland, who said that

'Politicians everywhere should be focused on helping the most vulnerable in society amid the worst cost of living crisis in decades.

'With firms already reeling from the rising cost of doing business, the last thing they want is further uncertainty in trading arrangements amid global supply chain challenges.'

I think that statement speaks for itself.