Securing an ambitious agri-food deal with the EU could significantly enhance the free flow of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, according to a government minister, who supports the role of innovative technologies like blockchain and advanced goods tracking systems in this process.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the minister for EU relations in the Cabinet Office, highlighted that a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement between the UK and EU would benefit both sides, not only by reducing trade friction but also by leveraging modern technologies to ensure transparency and efficiency in the movement of goods.
During his visit to Northern Ireland, Thomas-Symonds engaged with stakeholders about the post-Brexit trade barriers that necessitate checks on goods entering the region from Great Britain. Innovation, such as blockchain for supply chain transparency, could play a pivotal role in ensuring that goods are tracked accurately and efficiently, thereby reducing the need for extensive checks.
Labour has pledged to “reset” relations with Brussels, prioritising a deal on food safety and animal and plant health. Thomas-Symonds stressed that the government intends to lay the groundwork for negotiations before formal talks begin next year, as the new European Commission comes into place.
He underscored the importance of Northern Ireland in these discussions, suggesting that the use of advanced tracking technologies could help smooth the trade process. By ensuring goods comply with standards from the outset, these innovations could facilitate a more seamless flow across the Irish Sea, reducing the friction that currently exists under the Northern Ireland Protocol and Windsor Framework.
Meeting with various officials and groups in Belfast, Thomas-Symonds reiterated Labour’s commitment to implementing the Windsor Framework in “good faith,” while also pushing for a more ambitious SPS deal that could leverage technological advancements. He argued that this move would not only align with the UK’s commitment to high regulatory standards but also support the broader goal of facilitating smoother trade.
He concluded by affirming that the UK’s approach to negotiations would be framed by a commitment to high legal and regulatory standards, which would be bolstered by the use of cutting-edge technologies in goods tracking and transparency. This, he believes, is a path toward a “race to the top” in terms of standards and trade efficiency, benefitting both the UK and the EU.
