Northern Ireland Assembly to Vote on Post-Brexit Protocols

The vote, initiated by the NI Secretary, will determine the future of the Windsor Framework without requiring cross-community support.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has triggered the democratic consent process, allowing MLAs to vote on the continuation of post-Brexit trading arrangements.
The vote, focusing on Articles 5 to 10 of the Windsor Framework, does not require cross-community support and can pass with a simple majority.
If the motion passes, the protocol will be extended for four years, and an independent review will be conducted within one month.
Unionist parties, led by the DUP, oppose the framework, arguing it threatens Northern Ireland's position in the UK and lacks cross-community consent.
MLA Matthew O'Toole supports the protocol, citing economic benefits, and is prepared to table the motion if the First Ministers do not.