Northern Ireland politicians address Lords inquiry on ‘Strengthening Northern Ireland’s Voice’

The Windsor Framework Sub-Committee, which scrutinises EU legislation as it applies to Northern Ireland and the impact of the wider Windsor Framework, will take evidence – on 22 May at 3.30pm - from: 

• Robbie Butler MLA, Deputy Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party

In the second evidence session, at 4.45pm, the committee will hear from: 

• Matthew O’Toole MLA, Leader of the Opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly
  at the Social Democratic and Labour Party
• Dr Stephen Farry, Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland

The Windsor Framework, announced in February 2023, includes a complex network of institutions which has been added to by the Government’s recent announcements in ‘Safeguarding the Union’. The committee’s inquiry hopes to bring clarity to the various mechanisms and bodies established under the Windsor Framework, and explore how the voices of Northern Ireland stakeholders, policymakers and politicians can be heard most effectively. The committee will write to the Government with its findings in the summer.  

Questions the committee want to explore include: 

• Whether the return of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly creates more opportunities for engagement at a political level? 
• The effectiveness of Northern Ireland Assembly mechanisms, including the Stormont Brake and the applicability motion procedure? 
• Progress made on establishing the new structures announced in the Government’s ‘Safeguarding the Union’ Command Paper?   

This evidence session, which is open to the public and chaired by Lord Jay, will also be streamed live on Parliament TV.