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Trade: Northern Ireland

Asked by Mr Paul KohlerLiberal DemocratNorthern Ireland OfficeTabled Answered 3 February 2026UIN 109430

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what engagement his Department has had with business organisations in Northern Ireland on the practical challenges of complying with dual market access requirements, and what issues have been raised.

Answered by Hilary Benn

Dual market access is a unique trading advantage that can attract further investment in Northern Ireland.

I meet a wide range of businesses in Northern Ireland - and recently visited the Camlin Group, Leckey and the Exact Group who all highlight dual market access as a source of competitive advantage for them.

As set out in the Government’s response to the Independent Review of the Windsor Framework, we are committed to ensuring that businesses can realise these benefits and are taking forward an enhanced ‘one stop shop’ business support service that will support Northern Ireland’s trade within the UK and with the EU markets.

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