The Windsor Framework (Constitutional Status of Northern Ireland) Regulations 2024

Amendment of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018

3.—(1) The European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018(1) is amended as follows.

(2) In section 7A (General implementation of remainder of withdrawal agreement), after subsection (3) insert—

“(3A) The following provide for the application in Northern Ireland of EU law relating to the trade in goods necessary for the functioning of the Windsor Framework in the withdrawal agreement to be subject to democratic consent and scrutiny—

(a) Articles 13 and 18 of that Framework, and

(b) Part 5A(2) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.”

(3) After section 13B(3) (Certain dispute procedures under withdrawal agreement) insert—

“13C    Bills affecting trade between Northern Ireland and other parts of the United Kingdom

(1) This section applies where a Minister of the Crown in charge of a Bill in either House of Parliament is of the view that the Bill as introduced into that House contains provision which, if enacted, would affect trade between Northern Ireland and other parts of the United Kingdom.

(2) The Minister in charge of the Bill must, before Second Reading of the Bill in the House in question, make—

(a) a statement to the effect that in the Minister’s view the Bill does not contain provision which, if enacted, would have a significant adverse effect on trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom, or

(b) a statement to the effect that the Minister is unable to make such a statement but His Majesty’s Government nevertheless wishes the House to proceed with the Bill.

(3) A statement under this section must be in writing and be published in such manner as the Minister considers appropriate.”

(1)

2018 c. 16.

(2)

Part 5A gives effect to Schedule 6A and Schedule 6B and was inserted by S.I. 2020/1500. Part 5A was amended by S.I. 2024/118 to insert section 56B, which gives effect to Schedule 6B. There have been other amendments to the Act which are not relevant to these Regulations.

(3)

Section 13B was inserted by the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020 (c. 1), sections 30 and 42(7) (with section 38(3) and Schedule 5, paragraph 66).