H.E. Mr. Paul Johnston:

On the question of alignment, I think you will have seen, Chair, the Government's so-called retained EU law Bill, which creates a framework that is a natural part of developing our own regulatory framework following the EU exit. It is about ensuring that the UK's laws are fit for purpose, not about lowering standards. It is also a recognition that we will maintain a strong record on workers' rights, environmental protection and, as I mentioned earlier, in the human rights context we are committed to upholding our international obligations, including those in our treaties with the EU. The Bill will set out exactly which EU-derived laws will be sunset at the end of this year so people will be clear about what will change and what will not change. Obviously, we are engaging closely with EU counterparts on the Bill. The balance we seek is that we will now have the ability to set our own rights and standards, including in relation to emerging technologies and challenges but, clearly, the EU remains a massive trading partner for the UK.

Skipping to the third question, therefore, it is very important that we recognise as we take forward our own legislative framework, that the TCA is the world's biggest zero-tariff and zero-quota relationship. It is clearly a different relationship to the one that existed before exit, but we are absolutely committed to developing our trading relationships around the world, while having strong trade and investment relationships across the European Union as well.

On the middle question about the Windsor Framework being indicative of a new path and bespoke solutions, I think what was particular about the Windsor Framework was obviously we were recognising the challenges, opportunities and circumstances of Northern Ireland and we found a very particular solution there. Generally, in terms of the future path that we want to follow, if one likes, it is one in which we would very pragmatically but also very constructively look at the range of opportunities in our relationship with the European Union and seek to find ways forward that deliver for us both. That could be working together on Ukraine or on sanctions more generally.

I was struck that the speeches by President von der Leyen, the UK foreign secretary and the Tánaiste on the challenge of China were all similar as regards content and approach. We see opportunities to work together across the field in a meaningful partnership for the future, in full respect of one another's sovereignty.