The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
Following the outcome of the democratic consent vote which was held in the Assembly in December 2024, and in line with schedule 6A to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, I commissioned the right hon. Lord Murphy of Torfaen to lead the independent review of the Windsor framework on 9 January 2025.
I can confirm that Lord Murphy provided me with a report of his conclusions on 9 July 2025, within the six month reporting period, and I am thankful for his diligent work on this matter. As per schedule 6A, I have today laid a copy of the report in Parliament, and transmitted a copy to the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
I understand that Members of both Houses and the Assembly contributed towards the independent review. I welcome their engagement on the issues and will take the time to carefully consider the recommendations made and the issues raised in the report.
For its part, the Government remain fully committed to securing the broadest possible confidence of communities in Northern Ireland in the trading arrangements that apply. Since the review was commissioned, we have continued working in this endeavour. This includes through the new arrangements to secure the long-term supply of human medicines, which we completed in January; the delivery of arrangements to support the smooth movement of freight and parcels in May; measures to safeguard the supply of veterinary medicines, which we announced in June; and the launch that same month of a consultation on aligning rules on the labelling and packaging of chemicals across the UK, following concerns raised by Assembly Members in December 2024.
Following the UK/EU summit in May, the Government announced a new partnership with the EU. The new agreement we are taking forward on agrifood with the EU will be of considerable benefit to businesses and consumers in Northern Ireland, and further shows the capacity of our approach to deliver for them and to further strengthen the UK internal market.
In line with schedule 6A, I will publish a written response to the recommendations of the report within six months and bring them to the Joint Committee. I will update this House and provide a copy of the Government response when that is ready.
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