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8mo ago

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.

Image
Hilary Benn has white hair and wears thin black glasses. He is wearing a black suit with a red tie. He has a red poppy on the left side of his blazer.
Matthew O'Toole wearing a black suit jacket and a white shirt. He has ginger hair and a ginger beard.

Overview

  • 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.