DUP says Stormont must be ‘full participant’ in future trade talks

Assurances on Northern Ireland’s inclusion in future UK trade deals must be secured before the assembly can vote on the government’s proposed policy framework, a minister has said.

Stormont economy minister Diane Dodds told MLAS that she would not bring the government’ s Trade Bill before the House until such guarantees are obtained.

Mrs Dodds said International Trade Secretary Liz Truss had been unable to provide legislative assurances that Northern Ireland would be a“full participant” in future trade deals post-B rex it. The Trade Bill, which will create a framework for the UK’S trade policy once the transition period is over, is making its way through Parliament.

As par t of that process, the devolved parliaments in the UK will be asked to give legislative consent to be covered by the terms of the new laws.

Mrs D odds said she would not bring a legislative consent motion to the assembly until changes were made.

It comes amid continued uncertainty about trading arrangements involving Northern Ireland under the terms of the Northern Ireland protocol contained in the Withdrawal Agreement.

The protocol will see the region continue to follow single market rules for goods and administer the EU’S customs code at its ports.

Mrs Dodds said the government needed to provide clarity that the region could still fully participate in Uk-wide trade deals with third countries.

The DUP minister said her party was not prepared to simply follow London’s lead on Brexit issues.

“This is challenging London and making sure that London understands the needs of businesses and families in Northern Ireland,” she said.