Northern Ireland Affairs Committee to scrutinise operation of Windsor Framework

• Inquiry: The operation of the Windsor Framework
• Northern Ireland Affairs Committee

Following yesterday’s vote in the Northern Ireland Assembly to continue with the cross-border trading arrangements, the Secretary of State is now set to commission a review of the framework. The Committee’s inquiry will give MPs the chance to respond to the review and make representations and recommendations to the Government based on evidence from a wide range of stakeholders.

The inquiry will feature oral evidence sessions next year looking at different aspects of the framework. The Committee is keen to hear about the effectiveness of Government support for businesses ahead of upcoming implementation deadlines as well as issues including how customs procedures are working and how potential legislative divergence should be managed.

Chair's comment

Tonia Antoniazzi MP, Chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, said: “With the Government now commissioning a review of the Windsor Framework, there is a window of opportunity for the Committee to play its part in ensuring that it works in the best interests of everyone in Northern Ireland. In order to make effective representations to Ministers, we want to hear from as wide a range of organisations, businesses and people as possible on how the arrangements are working on the ground and the potential impact of the changes and developments that are coming down the line.”

Under the Windsor Framework, whilst Northern Ireland remains part of the UK customs territory, 300-plus EU laws continue to apply. They include the EU customs code and an array of EU laws concerning the movement of goods, state aid, VAT and the single electricity market. Obligations under the Windsor Framework are being introduced gradually with further requirements coming into force over the coming months.

Terms of reference

The Committee is inviting written submissions in response to the following:

• The operation of the Windsor Framework, including:
  • Implementation of Not-for-EU labelling and parcel movement requirements;
  • Customs procedures and movement of goods and agri-foods GB to NI, including the UK Internal Market Scheme and NI Retail Goods Movement Scheme;
  • The operation of the Stormont Brake and applicability motion procedures under Articles 13(3a) and 13(4);
  • Areas where legislative divergence between Great Britain and Northern Ireland is likely to occur and the mechanisms in place to monitor or manage this;
  • Implementation and scope of the no diminution of rights commitment under Article 2;
  • The potential of Northern Ireland’s dual market access;
  • Northern Ireland’s access to EU funds;
  • The implementation of commitments contained within the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper.

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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