The Windsor Framework. A new way forward

Author (Corporate)
Publisher
Publication Date February 2023
ISBN 978-1-5286-3937-8
Content Type , ,

Summary:

Policy paper published by the Government of the United Kingdom (UK) setting out the details of the so-called Windsor Agreement, subject to a political agreement with the European Commission on 27 February 2023. The Framework seeks to overcome disagreements as regards the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Further information:

The substantive provisions of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland started to apply on 1 January 2021. However, its full implementation was subject to great controversy and discussion in the years that followed, particularly as the impact of those provisions on the relations between Northern Ireland (NI) and Great Britain (GB) became more visible. Following a long period of discussion and negotiations, the UK Government and the European Commission reached a common understanding aimed at facilitating the implementation of the Protocol and easing the tension between the two sides.

The Windsor Agreement constitutes a set of joint solutions aimed at addressing the practical challenges faced by citizens and businesses in Northern Ireland, thereby providing them with lasting certainty and predictability. The joint solutions cover, amongst other things, new arrangements on customs, agri-food, medicines, VAT and excise, as well as specific instruments designed to ensure that the voices of the people of Northern Ireland are better heard on specific issues particularly relevant to the communities there.

The political agreement sought to open a new chapter in the relations between the UK and the European Union (EU). The UK Government committed to stop the legislative procedure relating to the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, whereas the Commission agreed to drop existing infringement procedures connected to the implementation of the Protocol.

However, both sides were still required to translate the joint solutions of the Windsor Framework into legally binding instruments. On that same day, the European Commission published draft Regulations on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, medicinal products for human use, and tariff rate quotas (TRQs). On 22 March, the UK Parliament voted to endorse the political agreement reached with the European Union.

Source Link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-windsor-framework
Alternative sources
  • https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1138989/The_Windsor_Framework_a_new_way_forward.pdf
Related Links
Commentary and Analysis
France24, 27/02/2023: What is in the new post-Brexit trade deal on Northern Ireland? https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20230227-what-is-in-the-new-post-brexit-deal-on-northern-ireland
The Spectator, 27/02/2023: Northern Ireland Protocol: is this a ‘breakthrough’ deal? https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcast/northern-ireland-protocol-is-this-a-breakthrough-deal/
Confederation of British Industry (CBI): Media Centre, 27/02/2023: CBI responds to Northern Ireland Protocol agreement https://www.cbi.org.uk/media-centre/articles/cbi-responds-to-northern-ireland-protocol-agreement/
BBC News, 27/02/2023: Northern Ireland Brexit deal: At-a-glance https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64790193
The Telegraph, 27/02/2023: Rishi Sunak vs the EU: Who got the upper hand in Windsor Framework? https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/02/27/rishi-sunak-vs-eu-who-got-upper-hand-windsor-framework/
The Guardian: Editorial, 27/02/2023: The Guardian view on the Windsor framework: facing up to the Brexit mess https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/feb/27/the-guardian-view-on-the-windsor-framework-facing-up-to-the-brexit-mess
Universities UK: News, 27/02/2023: Our statement on the agreement of the Windsor Framework https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/latest/news/our-statement-agreement-windsor
The Irish Times, 27/02/2023: Windsor Framework: What are the main points of the new UK-EU deal? https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2023/02/27/windsor-framework-what-are-the-main-points-of-the-new-uk-eu-deal/
UK in a Changing Europe: Commentary, 28/02/2023: The Windsor Framework: a quick evaluation https://ukandeu.ac.uk/the-windsor-framework-a-quick-evaluation/
UK Parliament: House of Commons Library: Research Briefing No 9736, 28/02/2023: Northern Ireland Protocol: The Windsor Framework https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9736/
Dublin City University: Brexit Institute, 28/02/2023: The Windsor Framework: or The Law & Politics of Reconnecting the UK to Europe https://dcubrexitinstitute.eu/2023/02/the-windsor-framework-or-the-law-and-politics-of-reconnecting-the-uk-to-europe/
Sky News, 28/02/2023: Windsor Framework: What role will EU rules continue to play in Northern Ireland? https://news.sky.com/story/windsor-framework-what-role-will-eu-rules-continue-to-play-in-northern-ireland-12822023
Institute for Government: Explainer, 28/02/2023: The Windsor Framework https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/windsor-framework
The Spectator, 28/02/2023: The Windsor Framework isn’t the blessing Scottish nationalists think it is https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-windsor-framework-isnt-the-blessing-scottish-nationalists-think-it-is/
BBC News, 28/02/2023: Windsor Framework: What do people in NI think of new protocol deal? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-64800165
Oxford University: Saïd Business School: Expert Comment, 28/02/2023: The Windsor Framework shows the power of relationships when it comes to negotiations https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/oxford-answers/windsor-framework-shows-power-relationships-when-it-comes-negotiations
Institute for Government: Commentary, 28/02/2023: The Windsor Framework improves the protocol – now the UK and EU need to make it work https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/windsor-framework-cooperation
BBC News, 01/03/2023: Brexit: What does Windsor Framework mean for business? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-64793597
Euro|topics, February-March 2023: Northern Ireland Protocol: sticking point resolved? https://www.eurotopics.net/en/297280/
Pinsent Masons: Out-Law News, 01/03/2023: Windsor Framework: ‘Caution needed’ as EU and UK work to rebuild trust https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/news/windsor-framework-caution-needed-eu-uk-work-rebuild-trust
Tony Blair Institute: Commentary, 01/03/2023: The Windsor Framework – What Has Been Agreed and What It Means for the Northern Ireland Protocol https://institute.global/policy/windsor-framework-what-has-been-agreed-and-what-it-means-northern-ireland-protocol
Centre for European Reform (CER): Insights, 01/03/2023: Does the Windsor deal herald warmer ties between Britain and the EU? https://www.cer.eu/insights/does-windsor-deal-herald-warmer-ties-between-britain-and-eu
Scottish Parliament: SPICe Spotlight, 01/03/2023: Seeking effective operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol: The Windsor Framework https://spice-spotlight.scot/2023/03/01/seeking-effective-operation-of-the-northern-ireland-protocol-the-windsor-framework/
The British Medical Journal (BMJ): No 380, 01/03/2023: “Massive relief” as Northern Ireland’s health sector embraces Windsor framework https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.p501
KPMG: Insights, 01/03/2023: The Windsor Framework. A summary of the new deal and what it means for NI business https://kpmg.com/ie/en/home/insights/2023/02/ireland-northern-ireland-protocol-update.html
The Economist, 02/03/2023: Explaining what is in the Windsor framework https://www.economist.com/britain/2023/03/02/explaining-what-is-in-the-windsor-framework
UK in a Changing Europe: Commentary, 02/03/2023: The Windsor Framework: a new hope or a great betrayal? https://ukandeu.ac.uk/the-windsor-framework-a-new-hope-or-a-great-betrayal/
The Conversation, 02/03/2023: Windsor framework: why Rishi Sunak was able to secure the Brexit deal that others couldn’t https://theconversation.com/windsor-framework-why-rishi-sunak-was-able-to-secure-the-brexit-deal-that-others-couldnt-200853
YouGov, 02/03/2023: Sunak favourability rises amid Windsor Framework discussions https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2023/03/02/sunak-favourability-rises-amid-windsor-framework-d
EU Law Analysis, 04/03/2023: The Windsor Framework: limiting the scope of EU law in Northern Ireland in practice, though not in theory (part 1) http://eulawanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/03/the-windsor-framework-limiting-scope-of.html
The Irish Times: Opinion, 06/03/2023: Windsor Framework is as good as it gets for unionism. Will it be enough? https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2023/03/06/windsor-framework-is-as-good-as-it-gets-for-unionism-will-it-be-enough/
Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE): Blog, 09/03/2023: The Windsor Framework is welcome but doesn't solve Britain's Brexit headaches https://www.piie.com/blogs/realtime-economics/windsor-framework-welcome-doesnt-solve-britains-brexit-headaches
Institute for Government: Explainers, 10/03/2023: Stormont Brake: The Windsor Framework https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/stormont-brake-windsor-framework
Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS): Analysis, 10/03/2023: The Windsor Framework: A Good Step toward a Healthy EU-UK Relationship https://www.csis.org/analysis/windsor-framework-good-step-toward-healthy-eu-uk-relationship
Confederation of British Industry: Media Centre, 10/03/2023: Business leaders sign open letter backing Windsor Framework https://www.cbi.org.uk/media-centre/articles/business-leaders-sign-open-letter-backing-windsor-framework/
European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS): At a Glance, 10/03/2023: The Windsor Framework https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_ATA(2023)745668
UK in a Changing Europe: Commentary, 16/03/2023: The Windsor Framework: paving the way towards or away from the abyss? https://ukandeu.ac.uk/the-windsor-framework-northern-ireland/
UK in a Changing Europe: Explainers, 20/03/2023: Regulatory divergence and the Windsor Framework https://ukandeu.ac.uk/explainers/regulatory-divergence-and-the-windsor-framework/
Hansard Society: Blog, 21/03/2023: Windsor Framework scrutiny complaints: Why MPs should look to themselves https://www.hansardsociety.org.uk/blog/windsor-framework-scrutiny-complaints-why-mps-should-look-to-themselves
The Telegraph: Comment, 22/03/2023: The Windsor Framework will go down in history as a missed opportunity - Opinion by Priti Patel MP https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/03/22/go-back-eu-get-us-better-deal-prime-minister/

News
RTÉ News: Topics: Windsor Framework https://www.rte.ie/news/windsor-framework/
Politico, 27/02/2023: The EU and UK have a Northern Ireland deal — so what’s in it? https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-uk-windsor-framework-northern-ireland-deal-concessions-and-safeguards-brexit/
The Guardian, 27/02/2023: Sunak hails ‘new chapter’ in UK-EU relations as Northern Ireland deal is agreed https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/feb/27/rishi-sunak-deal-eu-brexit-northern-ireland-protocol
BBC News, 27/02/2023: NI Brexit deal: Businesses hope for stability and certainty https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-64760463
Politico, 27/02/2023: Brexit: UK and EU strike deal on Northern Ireland protocol https://www.politico.eu/article/brexit-uk-eu-strike-deal-northern-ireland-protocol-rishi-sunak-ursula-von-der-leyen/
Reuters, 27/02/2023: Rishi Sunak strikes post-Brexit Northern Ireland deal with EU https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-eu-leaders-meet-monday-finalise-northern-ireland-deal-2023-02-26/
EurActiv, 27/02/2023: Von der Leyen and Sunak clinch Brexit deal over Northern Ireland trade https://www.euractiv.com/section/uk-europe/news/von-der-leyen-and-sunak-clinch-brexit-deal-over-northern-ireland-trade/
Deutsche Welle, 27/02/2023: EU, UK hail 'new chapter' in ties with Northern Ireland deal https://p.dw.com/p/4O2ho
Channel 4 News (UK), 27/02/2023: ‘Northern Ireland has fully regained its place within the UK internal market’, says NI minister Steve Baker https://www.channel4.com/news/northern-ireland-has-fully-regained-its-place-within-the-uk-internal-market-says-ni-minister-steve-baker
Bloomberg, 27/02/2023: UK and EU Seal ‘Decisive Breakthrough’ on Northern Ireland https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-27/uk-eu-seal-post-brexit-deal-on-northern-ireland-trade
Reuters, 27/02/2023: A risk taken, UK's Sunak announces the Windsor Framework https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/risk-taken-uks-sunak-announces-windsor-framework-2023-02-27/
Euronews, 27/02/2023: EU and UK open 'new chapter' with Northern Ireland Protocol deal https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2023/02/27/northern-ireland-protocol-what-to-expect-from-the-vdl-sunak-meeting
Politico, 28/02/2023: Rishi Sunak gives EU ‘Windsor framework’ deal the hard sell in Belfast https://www.politico.eu/article/rishi-sunak-eu-windsor-framework-brexit-deal-sell-belfast/
The Irish Times, 28/02/2023: Windsor Framework: Sunak urges Tory MPs not to create ‘another Westminster drama’ over deal https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2023/02/28/windsor-framework-deal-will-make-positive-difference-to-people-in-northern-ireland-sunak-says/
EurActiv, 01/03/2023: Windsor Framework unlikely to be applied for ‘several months’, warn UK officials https://www.euractiv.com/section/eu-uk-relations/news/windsor-framework-unlikely-to-be-applied-for-several-months-warn-uk-officials/
Sky News, 02/03/2023: Boris Johnson says he will find it 'very difficult' to vote for Sunak's new Brexit deal https://news.sky.com/video/boris-johnson-uneasy-about-rishi-sunakss-windsor-framework-brexit-deal-12823683
BBC News, 03/03/2023: Windsor Framework: Unionists to get 'legal reassurances' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-64834407
BBC News, 11/03/2023: Windsor Framework: Business leaders support new deal https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-64894570
Politico, 20/03/2023: Northern Ireland’s DUP to vote against Windsor Framework Brexit deal https://www.politico.eu/article/northern-irelands-dup-to-vote-against-windsor-framework-deal/
BBC News, 21/03/2023: Brexit: DUP will vote against Windsor Framework plans https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-65008991
Sky News, 22/03/2023: Windsor Framework: Government wins Brexit deal vote - despite Tory rebellion and DUP anger https://news.sky.com/story/windsor-framework-government-wins-brexit-deal-vote-despite-tory-rebellion-and-dup-anger-12840173
The Guardian, 22/03/2023: Northern Ireland voters back Windsor framework – poll https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/mar/22/northern-ireland-voters-back-windsor-framework-poll

Official
European Commission: Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/relations-non-eu-countries/relations-united-kingdom/eu-uk-withdrawal-agreement/protocol-ireland-and-northern-ireland_en
European Commission: Windsor Political Declaration by the European Commission and the Government of the United Kingdom https://commission.europa.eu/publications/windsor-political-declaration-european-commission-and-government-united-kingdom_en
European Commission: Press Release, 27/02/2023: A new way forward on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland: political agreement in principle on the Windsor Framework https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_1268
European Commission: Questions and Answers: political agreement in principle on the Windsor Framework, a new way forward for the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland (27 February 2023) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_23_1271
European Commission: Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Sunak (27 February 2023) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_23_1270
UK Government: Press Release, 27/02/2023: Windsor Framework unveiled to fix problems of the Northern Ireland Protocol https://www.gov.uk/government/news/windsor-framework-unveiled-to-fix-problems-of-the-northern-ireland-protocol
UK Government: PM speech on the Windsor Framework: 27 February 2023 https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-speech-on-the-windsor-framework-february-2023
UK Government: PM statement to the House of Commons: 27 February 2023 https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-statement-to-the-house-of-commons-27-feb-2023
US White House: Briefing Room, 27/02/2023: Statement from President Joe Biden on the Windsor Framework https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/02/27/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-windsor-framework/
European Parliament: Press Release, 27/02/2023: Brexit: leading MEPs welcome EU-UK political agreement on Northern Ireland https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20230227IPR76629/
Alliance Party (NI): News, 28/02/2023: Windsor Framework provides basis for economic growth in NI, says Long https://www.allianceparty.org/windsor_framework_provides_basis_for_economic_growth_in_ni_says_long
Welsh Government: Business Wales: News, 03/03/2023: The Windsor Framework https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blogs/news/windsor-framework
European Parliament: Press Release, 15/03/2023: EU-UK relations: Parliament assesses Windsor Framework and citizens’ rights https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20230310IPR77230/
S&D EP Group: Newsroom, 15/03/2023: S&Ds lead overwhelming support for Windsor Framework as a new chapter in EU-UK relations https://www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu/newsroom/sds-lead-overwhelming-support-windsor-framework-new-chapter-eu-uk-relations
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP): News, 20/03/2023: DUP statement ahead of vote on Windsor Framework https://mydup.com/news/dup-statement-ahead-of-vote-on-windsor-framework
UK Parliament: Votes, 22/03/2023: Draft Windsor Framework (Democratic Scrutiny) Regulations 2023 https://votes.parliament.uk/Votes/Commons/Division/1504
Alliance Party, 22/03/2023: Alliance to Support Windsor Framework in Key Vote https://www.allianceparty.org/alliance_to_support_windsor_framework_in_key_vote

Wikipedia: Windsor Framework https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsor_Framework

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