Michael Gove pressured on Northern Ireland Brexit deal not delivering a 'level playing field' for Scotland

Giving evidence at the Scottish Parliament’s culture, tourism and Europe committee, the Cabinet Office minister told MSPs customs processes would track goods processed in Northern Ireland which then are sent to an EU country.

SNP MSPs pressed the UK Government minister on the issue, with Stewart Stevenson saying the planned tracking of goods through countries without physical infrastructure would be a “recipe of chaos for businesses”.

Referencing a quote from Scottish Conservative MSP Adam Tomkins saying a Brexit deal must be the same for all countries, Christine Grahame said: "However, you said in an earlier answer that if lambs were being sent to Northern Ireland and for onward transmission to southern Ireland, there would be tariff. So there are different rules?”

Mr Gove responded: “For more than a year now since the conclusion of the withdrawal agreement, people have been aware of the Northern Ireland protocol and that Northern Ireland is there to recognise the unique position Northern Ireland finds itself as the only part of the United Kingdom with a land border with the EU.

"And obviously all of us are very well aware of the 22 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and the peace that has taken route there.”

Ms Grahame added: “All I’m saying is that this is not a level playing field and I think by your answers you have shown it is not a level playing field between the component parts of the UK and Northern Ireland and, in particular, Scotland.”Mr Gove finished: “We have created level playing field across the UK through the Internal Market Bill.

"If it is the case that you would like a level playing field and non-discrimination of market access, than that Bill will help provide it.”

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