Trading and customs arrangements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, under the Windsor Framework, will continue for another four years, unless the government negotiates alternative arrangements, following a vote in the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont yesterday (10 December).
The Windsor Framework was agreed between the UK and EU in 2023 and keeps Northern Ireland inside the EU’s single market for goods, unlike the rest of Britain.
The vote to maintain this arrangement was passed last night, following a heated six hour debate by Stormont members.The motion passed by 48 to 36 votes.
However, as a result of the debate, an independent review of the Windsor Framework and its impact on GB-NI trade will now be commissioned by the UK government.
This independent review will consult businesses, civil society groups and industry representative bodies and the panel will make recommendations on any alternative arrangements it believes could improve trading conditions.
Richard Smith, RHA managing director, said:“Road freight is critical to successful trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and an efficient GB-NI supply chain is crucial to our economy.
“There however remains much concern in our industry about some of the administrative hurdles and delays businesses face when trading GB-NI or NI-GB. A number of questions remain unanswered too about GPSR rules which come into effect later this week.
“We’ll continue to be a voice for our members and seek clarity on their behalf by engaging with the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive.
“We want to work collaboratively with decision-makers to minimise the impact of regulations, and to find durable solutions which will maintain supply chains and protect the free circulation of goods throughout the UK.
“On behalf of our sector, we look forward to contributing our views on the way ahead when the independent review of the Windsor Framework is established.”
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, welcomed the vote, which he said was “an important step forward for the Windsor Framework.”
He added: “I will now proceed as required by the law, including to commission an independent review.
“The government remains committed to implementing the Windsor Framework in good faith and protecting the UK internal market, in a way that offers stability and works for Northern Ireland, for businesses, and for traders.”
