Thread by @seanwhelanRTE

Jeffrey Donaldson disputed Michael Gove's claim that Northern Ireland supermarkets are not experiencing serious supply chain disruption or shortages

Gove tells John Redwood that if further legal steps are needed to ensure free flow of goods then they would be (another reference to Art 16 of NI protocol)

Julian Smith aks Gove if he will set up joint working group with EU (level below joint committee) and use his negotiating skills and relationships with EU to try and extend grace period for NI supermarkets to whole of 2021. Says he will find EU is "up for it"

"Alternative Arrangements" still being raised in House of Commons by conservative backbenchers...

Sammy Wilson says NI people will be amazed by complacency shown by Government to the damage being done by the wrecking ball of the protocol. Asks why Irish govt could set aside some elements of Protocol, but our govt says must obey every rule

Gove says he knows Sammy Wilson will do as other have done and supply him with granular information on companies hit by rules, so govt can take action

Several conservative MPs praising Irish govt for their "pragmatic light touch" approach to delays at Dublin Port, Gove says he wants MPs to bring him specific problems so he can act as an "administrative Dyno-Rod" to clear blockages.

Stephen Farry says NI business not asking for Art 16 - says only solution is UK and EU working together. Also asks if EU NZ SPS agreement might be introduced to ease plight of import/export trade.

Hywell Williams asks if there is an economic impact on NW Wales of reduction in Irish exports going through Hollyhead because of direct freight routes. Gove says only minimal diversion of trade due to new direct routes to France from IRL

Michael Gove says he will visit NI "at the earliest safe opportunity". (Covid)

Ian Paisley asks "what did we do to be screwed over by this protocol. It has ruined trade in NI". says need to extend grace period by 12 months, train GB officials, and follow easements of Irish Govt. Claims woman moving house to NI turned back as van contained personal goods

Simon Hoare says we must make the protocol work well, says problem is late agreement, leading to confusion and lack of knowledge among GB businesses exporting to NI. When GB business knows what it needs to do it will do it well - govt depts need to tell them. Gove agrees.

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