Burke addresses British Irish Chamber on new Windsor Framework

Minister for European Affairs and Defence Peter Burke addressed members of the British-Irish Chamber of Commerce at an event in Dublin last Thursday.

The timing of the re-scheduled event was opportune, as a significant development in EU-UK relations had occurred earlier in the week, when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a joint press conference to unveil the Windsor Framework.

Minister Burke conveyed the Irish government’s support of the Windsor Framework, and explained that it provided the legal background for a significant simplification of trade between Britain and Northern Ireland and as a result he was of the opinion that it should go a long way towards addressing the concerns of the Unionist community.

It was acknowledged that though the initial reaction to the Windsor Framework was largely positive, that space and time were being provided to allow all stakeholders to consider the proposal.

Minister Burke paid tribute to the negotiators from all sides and made the point that the appointment of Rishi Sunak as British prime minister marked a turning point for the better in the relationship between the EU and the UK.

British Ambassador Paul Johnston, also in attendance, expressed his gratitude, on behalf of the British government to Minister Burke, his staff and ministerial colleagues for the constructive role that Irish officials played in the successful negotiation.

Minister Burke also spoke about the Planning Act that is currently making its way through the legislative process. He said that legislation is critical to help Ireland modernise its planning laws and meet its climate targets.

The Windsor Frame - An Explainer: Minster Peter Burke

On February 27, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that agreement has been reached in principle on a new way forward on the Northern Ireland Protocol – the ‘Windsor Framework’.

This is the welcome result of a lengthy process of EU-UK talks aimed at responding to the concerns that have been raised by people and business in Northern Ireland. The new Framework offers the certainty and stability that people and businesses in Northern Ireland want.

What the Windsor Framework includes: new arrangements for the flow of goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, for end use or consumption in Northern Ireland, with dramatically simplified procedures and declarations.

Protections for Northern Ireland’s place in the UK internal market, ensuring that the same food and medicines will be available in Northern Ireland as in the rest of the UK. A greater say for Northern Irish stakeholders and elected representatives in how EU laws will apply in Northern Ireland, including the option to pull an ‘emergency brake’ if they have concerns. Special arrangements making it easier for people in Northern Ireland to bring their pets to and from Britain. Substantial facilitations so people in Northern Ireland can receive parcels more easily from Britain.

What happens next is that once the UK government and the EU member states finalise the arrangements, they will come into force and people and business in Northern Ireland can make the most of their unique access to both the UK and EU markets.

Article by Mullingar man David Savage, who works for BDO Ireland, a member of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce.