Secretary of State questioned on Windsor Framework implementation
On Wednesday 25 October, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland makes his first appearance before the Lords Sub-Committee on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, and will be questioned on a wide range of issues on the implementation of the Windsor Framework. The session follows our September evidence sessions with business representatives examining their preparation for the operation of the Windsor Framework, particularly in the context of recently published guidance by the Government.
Meeting details
At 3:15pm: Oral evidence
Work
Windsor Framework Implementation: Follow-up (Non-inquiry session)
Possible questions will include:
- How would you characterise the overall impact of the Windsor Framework on political stability in Northern Ireland?
- What progress has the Government made in resolving the current political impasse in Northern Ireland?
- In what ways does the Windsor Framework meet the UK and EU’s joint commitment to protect the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, “including its subsequent implementation agreements and arrangements, in all its dimensions and in all its strands”? Have Government attempts so far to manage the implications of Brexit for Northern Ireland had a positive or negative impact on the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement?
- In the context of the Windsor Framework, how would you characterise the current state of UK-EU and UK-Irish relations?
- What has been the economic impact of the Protocol and Windsor Framework on Northern Ireland so far?
- Can you provide an update on progress towards resolving the issues around veterinary medicines?
- How does the Government intend to monitor and manage regulatory divergence between Great Britain and Northern Ireland?
- What is your response to suggestions that the Stormont Brake will have a limited impact on the democratic deficit under the Protocol?
- In light of the Written Ministerial Statement on 23 May, which stated that responsibility for the delivery of the Windsor Framework will be transferred from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to sit alongside the existing Northern Ireland Unit in the Cabinet Office, who has overall ministerial responsibility for the Windsor Framework at Cabinet level?
- What plans does the Government have for enhanced engagement with Northern Ireland stakeholders, including businesses and civil society, in the context of the Windsor Framework?