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The House of Lords Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee was in Newry earlier this month to hear firsthand from local businesses, retailers, and community representatives about their practical experiences of operating within the Windsor Framework and how it has impacted business.
The visit formed part of Committee’s ongoing inquiry into Strengthening Northern Ireland’s voice in the context of the Windsor Framework and will help shape the Committee’s conclusions and recommendations to the UK Government in its final report, expected to be published late Summer 2025.
Chair of the Committee, Lord Carlile said: “The purpose of the Committee’s visit to Newry has been to help inform our ongoing inquiry, which is looking into strengthening the voice of Northern Ireland in the context of the Windsor Framework.
“We are aiming to bring fresh clarity to the complexities of the Windsor Framework so that everyone—from local businesses to community stakeholders and political leaders—can better understand both the opportunities and challenges it presents and to ensure that Northern Ireland’s voice is not only heard but strengthened in the process.
“For the Committee, an essential part of understanding the practical implications of the Windsor Framework has been getting
out of Westminster to Northern Ireland and hearing first-hand about the experiences on the ground."
The committee met members of the Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade and local community organisations. They also took the
opportunity to look around the impressive local manufacturing facilities at MJM Marine.
Lord Carlile concluded “A key thing we have learnt is that the Windsor Framework remains complex, and experiences on the ground differ according to sector, location or background.
“Our inquiry comes at a time of change in Europe and in the UK’s relationship with Europe. In this context it is crucial
the voices of Newry and all Northern Ireland’s communities are represented and heard, and their best interests protected.”
