Brexit & Beyond newsletter

28 April 2025

Welcome to the 28 April 2025 Brexit & Beyond newsletter

Last Thursday, the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference took place at Hillsborough Castle.

The Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee will meet tomorrow. Last week the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland wrote to the Assembly Speaker to notify him of the meeting. He told the Speaker the Government will agree specifically to three decisions to add four acts to the Windsor Framework.

With May approaching, focus is now moving to the summit between the UK and the EU on the 19th of May. Last week, the Prime Minister met the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in London.

 

British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference

Last Thursday, the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) took place at Hillsborough Castle, the first time it has been held in Northern Ireland since 2006. The BIIGC is a bilateral forum which aims “to bring together the British and Irish Governments to promote cooperation at all levels on all matters of mutual interest within the competence of both Governments”.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD, Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Fleur Anderson MP Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD, Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Fleur Anderson MP 

The UK Government was represented by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Fleur Anderson MP. The Irish Government was represented by the Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD, and the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD.

In the Joint Communiqué, the two governments “reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting the Common Travel Area to the benefit of citizens across these islands and noted, in particular, the importance of continued engagement with all stakeholders to ensure the UK ETA [Electronic Travel Authorisation] scheme operates smoothly.”

 

Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee and the Windsor Framework

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland notified the Speaker last week that the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee will meet tomorrow (29 April).

At the Joint Committee, the Government will agree specifically to three decisions to add four acts to the Windsor Framework. The Acts are listed below.

  • Ukraine/Moldova tariff liberalisation—Regulations 2024/1392 and 2024/1501
  • Critical Raw Materials—Regulation 2024/1252
  • Non-Agricultural Geographical Indications—Regulation 2023/2411 (Explanatory Memorandum published 24 April)

In March 2024 the Assembly debated its first applicability motion, on the above Regulation 2023/2411 on the protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products (such as Murano glass and Donegal Tweed).

Applicability motions apply when the EU adopts a new act which it considers to be within the scope of the Windsor Framework. Before the UK can agree with the EU in the Joint Committee that a new EU law should apply in NI, the Northern Ireland Assembly must indicate cross-community support for the new law to be added to the Framework by passing an ‘applicability motion’.

The motion at the Assembly on the regulation on Non-Agricultural Geographical Indications did not pass with cross-community consent. Consequently, the Government did not agree to add the measures to the Windsor Framework at that time.

In his letter, the Secretary of State provided more detail on the Government’s decision to agree that these regulations should be added to the Windsor Framework. The Secretary of State said “Following a comprehensive technical process that we have undertaken reflecting the issues raised in the Northern Ireland Assembly last year, the Government is now satisfied that accepting a proposal to add this regulation to the Framework will not create a new regulatory border. This detailed and thorough exercise was undertaken in response to and in recognition of the concerns expressed by Members of the Assembly in that debate.”

The Minister said the Government will shortly lay explanatory memoranda before Parliament pertaining to each of the three decisions which will set out in further detail the Government’s view on any impacts that the regulations would have on Northern Ireland.

At the Joint Committee meeting, the Government is expected to ask the EU to hold an exchange of views on proposals to add regulations 2024/1689 (on artificial intelligence) and 2024/2847 (on cyber resilience) to the Windsor Framework within six weeks.

 

Movement of parcels

In a written statement to Parliament on changes to the movement of parcels between GB and Northern Ireland, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, the Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office stated:

“We are moving to implement the next phase of the UK internal market system. This phase will deliver simplified processes for freight and parcels arrangements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and reflects the substantial work undertaken on the delivery of those commitments to date. We will continue to implement the UK internal market system in good faith in line with the commitments set out in “Safeguarding the Union”.

These changes will replace the burdensome requirements in the old protocol for international customs paperwork with internal market movement information—a much shorter, simpler dataset containing ordinary commercial information. They will further simplify processes for businesses and have been taken forward following considerable engagement with sector stakeholders to ensure full readiness for the new arrangements and, subject to the relevant procedures, will take effect from 1 May 2025.”

 

 EU-UK relations

The Prime Minister met the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Downing Street on Thursday. It was reported that regarding the ongoing negotiations to strengthen the UK-EU partnership “they both agreed that good progress had been made. They asked their teams to continue their important work in the coming weeks, with the aim of delivering as ambitious a package as possible at the first UK-EU summit next month.” 

The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in LondonThe Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in London

On the same day, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, the Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office, wrote in the Guardian that the meeting “is a clear example of global leaders working together on issues that matter to people – such as Ukraine, energy security and the global economy. It will also be an opportunity to take stock of the progress made in our negotiations for a better deal with the EU, and make sure teams are meeting our aspirations – to grow the economy, boost living standards and keep the UK safe – when we kicked off this work last October.”

The Minister continued: “Pursuing a new partnership with the EU is about meeting the needs of our times. This is not about ideology or returning to the divisions of the past, but about ruthless pragmatism and what works in the national interest. For me, that means working with our allies in the EU to make people across the continent safer, more secure and more prosperous. The EU is our largest trading partner and this government is determined to work to reduce barriers to trade across the economy to help drive growth.”

Earlier this month, in an interview with the Financial Times, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said that the summit between the UK and the EU on the 19th of May will be a chance “to refresh our relationship and make it easier for businesses to trade”. 

She continued: “I feel that in the current environment, there is a greater willingness from countries around the world to look at both tariff and non-tariff barriers that are holding back trade.”

“Many of the developments, whether it is Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or the challenges in global trade at the moment, mean that there’s an even greater imperative to improve our trading relationships with Europe.”

The Financial Times reported that the Chancellor is pushing for the Prime Minister to take an ambitious approach to removing EU trade barriers. She has proposed that Britain should align its regulations covering established industries, such as chemicals, with Brussels rules to enhance market access.

The FT also reports on comments from Miguel Berger, German Ambassador to the UK, that next month’s UK-EU summit is the starting point for negotiations. The summit on 19 May in London precedes the first review of the implementation of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement in 2026.  

Berger told the UK Trade and Business Commission “It’s very important that the review of the TCA that comes next year is a process that is politically connected….  In the end, for us, it’s the question of the level of ambition of the British government. If the British government would like to move further, we are open to discuss that. “

“Let’s start with what’s on the table. These are very substantial points. My hope is that once we move forward on these topics, we will hopefully create a dynamic of co-operation that may allow us to go further than what’s currently on the table.” 

 

 Youth Mobility scheme

In the House of Commons last Thursday, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, the Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office confirmed that a youth mobility scheme is not part of the UK government’s plans for the UK-EU reset. He said: “A youth mobility scheme is not part of our plans. We have always said that we will listen to sensible EU proposals, but we will not go back to freedom of movement.”

Chloe Chaplain, writing in the i newspaper, reports that the Government may be willing to sign off on a youth mobility deal with the EU.  An agreement to allow people to live and work abroad for a limited period has been a key demand of the EU in the talks with the Government.  The report states that the Government is looking more positively at such a deal, provided that the number are capped.

Speaking to the Sunday Times at the weekend, Chancellor Rachel said “we do want to enable young people from Europe and the UK to be able to work and travel overseas”. But she cautioned that net migration must fall.

 

 Interministerial Standing Committee

A policy paper updated on 11th April, recorded that the Interministerial Standing Committee (IMSC) met for the eighth time on 27th February 2025 via video conference. The meeting was co-chaired by the Northern Ireland Executive First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA.

Ministers discussed the ongoing review of the UK Internal Market Act; the Sewel Convention and UK legislation; the need for the UK and devolved governments to work together to safeguard assets of national importance; and to remain engaged on the potential impact of global developments on the economy.

Ministers agreed plans to update understanding of current activity of Interministerial Groups, with a view to ensuring that inter-ministerial engagement operates efficiently and effectively within appropriate structures.

The IMSC will meet again in May when the Scottish Government is scheduled to chair.

 

Product Regulation and Metrology Bill

Lord Leong, Lord in Waiting (Government Whip), Department for Business and Trade, responded to the Chair of the House of Lords Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee on 2nd of April regarding the implications of the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill in Northern Ireland.

In relation to how the Bill will interact with the Windsor Framework, Lord Leong wrote:

“To ensure dual access to both the UK Internal Market and the EU Single Market, Northern Ireland applies certain EU product and metrology regulation under the Windsor Framework.

In other product areas, however, such as the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, domestic legislation applies. The Bill will not alter the operation of the Windsor Framework in this regard.”

In response to questions about managing regulatory divergence, Lord Leong stated:

“the Bill ensures we have the ability to deliver an effective regulatory regime in the UK. This will support business and economic growth, provide regulatory stability and deliver more protection for consumers. All decisions taken by the Government on regulations focus on supporting growth across the UK. We will draw on evidence gathered through our strong relationships with stakeholders, including industry, trade associations and consumer groups when considering any future changes to product safety regulation.

In order to prevent trade barriers, the UK closely reviews EU regulatory developments and engages in dialogue with EU institutions. There are also specific mechanisms through the Windsor Framework for managing the interaction between UK and EU regulation in respect of Northern Ireland. Departments monitor developments in their respective policy areas and share reporting to the Cabinet Office in a structured way.”

Asked about engagement with the Northern Ireland Executive and Legislative Consent, Lord Leong responded that a copy of the Bill was shared with all Devolved Governments on 4 September 2024, seeking Legislative Consent. Lord Leong said:

“This followed several meetings at official level to discuss the Bill’s policy content. I also met with my counterpart in the Northern Ireland Executive, Minister Murphy, on 3 October 2024. Officials have continued to work collaboratively on the Bill.”

He continued: “I am pleased that there is broad support for the policy intent of the Bill from the Northern Ireland Executive and other Devolved Governments. I recognise that some concerns have been expressed about the Bill in relation to the involvement of Devolved Government ministers on matters of devolved competence. The UK Government continues to engage constructively with Northern Ireland Executive and other Devolved Governments on this. To that end, my colleague, Minister Madders met with Minister Archibald on the 26 March to discuss the Bill further.”

This Bill was debated by the House of Commons at second reading on Tuesday 1 April and has now been sent to a Public Bill Committee which will scrutinise the Bill line by line and is expected to report to the House by Tuesday 20 May 2025.

 

Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee

On the 10th April, the Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee heard evidence on a proposed EU Regulation regarding electric vehicle supply equipment, compressed gas dispensers, and electricity, gas and thermal energy meters (COM/2024/561) from officials from the Department for the Economy.

The officials told the Committee that guidance from the UK Government Office of Product Safety and Standards states that the Measure and Instruments Regulations 2016 currently apply across the UK but some of the provisions apply differently in Northern Ireland so that they continue to implement in a Directive 2014-32 EU. As outlined earlier in this newsletter, the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill is currently undergoing consideration in the House of Commons.

The Chief Inspector of Trading Standards said “differences have come about because of EU exit, because Northern Ireland has to rely on EU regulations. So, in 2019 the 2016 Measure and Instruments Regulations were amended” to “fix any deficiencies that would arise from the UK leaving the EU such as references to EU institutions. And they make specific provisions for the UK market with mainly changes to definitions.”

Responding to the Committee’s questions on regulatory alignment and divergence, he suggested the Committee ask the Department for Business and Trade which leads on this matter.

 

 Frontier Workers

On the 9th of April, the Minister for the Economy responded to AQW 23636/22-27 on frontier workers. She recorded that on 31 March she met with the research team of the Labour Employment and Economic Forum Shared Island Working Group which published a study on cross-border workers in November 2024. The Minister said the report “raises a number of issues that need to be resolved between the British and Irish Governments in order to improve cross-border working.”

 

 Other news 

  • Ryan McAleer, writing in the Irish News, reported on 14 April that Lisburn-based food logistics group PRM has confirmed it is ready to progress a £15 million expansion of its business, creating more than 40 new jobs. The company, which distributes Müller, Nomadic, Ferrero and Fage products to the retail and foodservice markets, said it has experienced “exponential growth” by leveraging opportunities presented by Brexit and the Windsor Framework.                                                                                                                                                    
  • The European Parliament holds its next plenary session on 5-8 May, when MEPs will outline their priorities for the UK-EU summit to be held in London on 19 May. They will also debate how the EU should respond to the US trade measures and assess global trade opportunities for the EU.                                                                                                                                                                                         
  • On Wednesday, the House of Commons Northern Ireland Affairs Committee will hear from Dr Kirsten Dunbar, President at British Veterinary Association NI and North of Ireland Veterinary Association as part of its inquiry into the operation of the Windsor Framework. The Committee will also take evidence from Dr Lisa Claire Whitten (Queen's University Belfast), Dr Anthony Soares (Centre for Cross Border Cooperation) and Joël Reland (UK in a Changing Europe).                                                                                                                                                                                
  • The EY ITEM Club Spring Forecast predicts trade and market uncertainty set to subdue business investment. Matt Swannell, Chief Economic Advisor, said: “US tariffs will act as a drag on UK growth and we’re likely to see a slowdown in economic activity from the second quarter of this year through to early next year. We’re expecting an initial phase of uncertainty that will hold back demand, followed by the direct impact on goods exports as the US and other trading partners are less likely to buy in a weakened global economy.”                                                                                                                                                                                                
  • Senior diplomats from BRICS countries (including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) will meet today in Brazil. “The ministers are negotiating a declaration aimed at reaffirming the centrality and importance of the multilateral trading system,” Brazil’s BRICS representative Mauricio Lyrio told reporters Saturday.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
  • Today the Economic and Social Research Institute has published its report, “Sharing the Island: Economic and Social Challenges and Opportunities: Evidence from an ESRI Research Programme”. It synthesises key findings from 15 previous programme reports, highlighting interlinkages and reflecting on implications for future policy learning on the island of Ireland.