A CABINET minister has sought to provide assurances to Northern Ireland MPs about the impact of Brexit - saying the UK is seeking a deal with the EU to protect their constituents.
Michael Gove was responding to questions on the fallout out for trade, all-island Covid-19 tracing and the economy in the wake of a no-deal withdrawal from the EU.
Last weekend the UK government was accused by Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill of behaving in a "shameful" manner by failing to extend the Brexit transition period during the pandemic.
Mr Gove yesterday insisted they will "push to secure a deal and a deal would be in everyone's interests."
The Tory frontbencher was asked by DUP Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart what further progress had been made on ensuring there will be no additional declaration forms requiring completion between Northern Ireland sending goods to Great Britain.
"They will have unfettered access to the rest of the UK," Mr Gove said.
South Belfast SDLP MP Claire Hanna queried measures the government is taking to protect Covid-19 contact tracing on the island of Ireland in the absence of a "data equivalence regime".
She said: "There is a deep and growing unease in Northern Ireland and indeed across the island of Ireland about the prospect of a no-trade deal exit in six months."
Responding, Mr Gove said: "She raises a very important issue. Data equivalence... is separate from these negotiations but it is important on the island of Ireland to continue to share information."
Meanwhile, Alliance North Down MP Stephen Farry raised concerns about the "severe costs" impact of a border down the Irish Sea for businesses and households.
The Tory frontbencher said the UK is "ready to be flexible" in how it secures a comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU, and also dismissed an extension of the transition period beyond December.
