Windsor Framework

March 2, 2023

UK government reached a landmark deal with European Union on post-Brexit trade rules that will govern Northern Ireland.
Windsor Framework will replace the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Framework has two crucial aspects
1. the introduction of a Green lane and Red lane system for goods
  - Green lane: British goods meant for Northern Ireland will use the green lane at the ports and will be allowed to pass with minimal paperwork and checks.
  - Physical checks will be conducted if the goods are deemed suspicious, in place of the routine checks now.Also, people in Northern Ireland can order goods online from Britain easily now.
  - Red lane: Goods destined for Ireland or the rest of the EU will have to take the red lane, with the attendant customs and other checks.
2. ‘Stormont Brake’: It allows Northern Ireland lawmakers and London to veto any EU regulation they believe affects the region adversely.
  - It means the democratically elected Northern Ireland Assembly can oppose new EU goods rules that would have significant and lasting effects on everyday lives in Northern Ireland.
  - For this, they will need the support of 30 members from at least two parties.
  - The British government can then veto the law.