Brexit & Beyond newsletter

18 September 2025

Welcome to the 18 September 2025 Brexit & Beyond newsletter

In this edition, we take a look at the findings of Lord Murphy’s Independent Review of the Windsor Framework. We reflect on a summer of diplomacy with short articles covering the UK-France Summit and the Treaty between the UK and Germany.  

We also turned the spotlight on the House of Lords European Affairs Committee UK-EU reset inquiry, focussing on evidence sessions with Nick Thomas Symonds MP, Minister for the Constitution.

In a new segment, ‘Assembly Roundup’ we provide an overview of EU related discussions in the Assembly and Committees.

We always appreciate feedback from our readers – so if you have any comments on this edition or have ideas for future content, you can email us at info@brexitandbeyond.niassembly.gov.uk

• Independent Review of the Windsor Framework
• Northern Ireland Sanitary and Phytosanitary Inspection Facilities
• European Affairs Committee holds final evidence session on the UK-EU Reset Inquiry
• Treaty between the UK and Germany
• Assembly Roundup - Return from Summer Recess
• In case you missed it...

Independent Review of the Windsor Framework 

As readers will remember, following the Assembly’s first “consent vote” on 10 December 2024,  the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland asked Lord Murphy of Torfaen to lead the Independent Review of the Windsor Framework. Lord Murphy submitted his report to the UK Government on 9 July and it was published on 4 September.

Regarding the Democratic Scrutiny Committee, Lord Murphy proposed several measures to strengthen the Committee’s effectiveness:

• Extend the decision window for EU act inquiries from five to ten working days.
• Provide additional expert staff to support the Committee’s work.
• More coordination between Whitehall and Belfast, empowering Northern Ireland Civil Servants to offer appropriate and good advice—even in reserved areas.
• Increase UK Government capacity and support for both the Committee and Northern Ireland Civil Service to ensure:
  • timely access to relevant information,
  • better use of the Executive’s Brussels office expertise,
  • broader engagement with Northern Ireland stakeholders.

European Affairs Committee holds final evidence session on the UK-EU Reset Inquiry

Tuesday, 1 July marked the last oral evidence session for the Lords European Affairs Committee Inquiry on the UK-EU reset with the Committee taking evidence from Nick Thomas Symonds MP, Minister for the Constitution and EU Relations and Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State for Europe (FCDO). Outlining the government’s current strategy, the Ministers went on to detail next steps in areas including trade, services and regulatory alignment. 

The Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS) Agreement was a key area of discussion with both Ministers confirming that technical negotiations are well underway and that the government was committed to reaching a deal that would reduce red tape and further enhance and extend trade.

Further discussions centred upon data adequacy agreements and improved market access for UK Services.

The inquiry report is expected to be published later this year. You can watch the full evidence session here.

Treaty between the UK and Germany 

In July, the Prime Minister met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Downing Street. The UK and Germany signed a wide-ranging treaty on friendship and bilateral cooperation. The FT reports that “German and British officials see the treaty as strengthening a “triangle” represented by Berlin, Paris and London.”

The Prime Minister and Chancellor Merz “reflected on the importance of the Treaty in demonstrating the UK and Germany’s status as the closest of strategic partners and celebrated the opportunity to deepen ties, tackle shared challenges, and invest in shared strengths together.”

Among other things, the treaty focuses on foreign, security and defence policy cooperation, economic growth, but also on strengthening contacts between the citizens of both countries.

As part of the Implementation Plan under Article 22 of the Treaty, the parties agreed to deliver 17 priority projects. The UK government notes these projects span the breadth of the Treaty, enhancing cooperation in the face of global challenges, and delivering tangible benefits for UK and German citizens.

The treaty will facilitate school group travel between the UK and Germany and explore further ways to enhance mobility for UK and German citizens. Alongside a new scheme set to launch by the end of 2025, it will enable visa-free travel for school groups and expand opportunities for linguistic, cultural, and academic exchange.

UK-France Summit 

In mid-July, the news headlines were dominated by the 37th UK-France Summit which took place on Thursday, 10 July. While the two leaders discussed a number of issues and pathways towards greater cooperation on issues such as defence and security; foreign policy collaboration and growth, it was their agreement on tackling illegal Channel crossings that grabbed the majority of press attention. 

The Prime Minister and the French President confirmed that they had also agreed to the CRE, the French Energy Regulatory Commission and Ofgem moving forward on assessing interconnection projects, primarily the delivery of 1GW further interconnection by 2035. Agreement was also reached on modernising defence and security cooperation as well as continued collaboration on ‘economic sectors of the future’, leading to more growth, skills, and high-quality jobs. You can read the full UK-France Leaders Declaration here. 

As part of the State Visit, the French President Emmanuel Macron addressed a joint session of Parliament. In a blog post for the UK in a Changing Europe, Georgina Wright points out that “France and the UK have a lot more in common that they care to admit.”

Following the summit and the State Visit of President Macron, the UK and France committed to provide joint financial support for the International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits (IAPB) to support its transition to an independent not-for-profit entity.

The UK will give £500,000 to support IAPB’s transition while the French Ministry of Environment, together with the French Treasury, has confirmed a matching contribution of €580,000. 

Assembly Roundup – Return from Summer Recess 

The first week of the new 25/26 Assembly term began similarly to how the 24/25 term ended with discussions focussing on the Windsor Framework and EU related matters. On Monday, David Brooks MLA moved a DUP motion opposing the continued operation of the Windsor framework arguing that it entrenches EU law in Northern Ireland, creates an Irish sea border and lacks cross-community support. The motion also cited the recent survey conducted by the Federation of Small Business (FSB) which found that 58% of businesses were having moderate to significant challenges as a result of the framework. It further described Lord Murphy’s Independent Review of the Windsor Framework as a “…missed opportunity.” 

Steve Aiken MLA moved an amendment to the motion which highlighted that “…the existing safeguards within the Windsor Framework … have all failed to arrest continued divergence within the internal UK market.” The amendment further urged the UK Government to trigger Article 16 to pause any further implementation of the Windsor Framework until talks between the UK and the EU on key regulatory issues such as sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules are complete. 

Throughout the debate those in support of the motion and the amendment argued that the Windsor Framework was continuing to present very real challenges for both consumers and businesses here, including issues around restrictions in relation to online purchases, higher consumer costs and regulatory divergence. A number of Members highlighted that the lack of cross-community consent undermined the legitimacy of the Windsor Framework.  

However, Members opposing the motion and the amendment noted the economic opportunities afforded by dual market access, the marked increase in import and export between the UK and Northern Ireland as well as examples of local business and industry growth. Also referenced were the results of the Queen’s University’s “Testing the Temperature” survey which highlighted that 58% of those surveyed thought the Windsor Framework provided “unique economic opportunities” for Northern Ireland.

Both the motion and the amendment were subject to a simple majority vote and were defeated. You can read the debate in full here:

Question Time: 

The deputy First Minister was in the Chamber on Monday for Assembly Question Time where she responded to a question on unfettered access to the UK internal market. She noted that the Executive Office was continuing to engage with the UK Government on this issue through forums such as the Interministerial Standing Committee, the East–West Council and the Interministerial Group on UK-EU Relations. 

Echoing the sentiment expressed by some Members in the earlier debate on the Windsor Framework, she  described Lord Murphy’s Independent Review of the Windsor Framework to be a “missed opportunity.”

She noted that while other Members in the Chamber had highlighted the potential benefits of dual market access, she had: “…received no evidence that there has been any benefit whatever. Instead, we have got bureaucracy, paperwork and process, all of which is completely unnecessary.” You can read the Official  Report here:

North South Ministerial Council (sectoral) Meetings: 

On Tuesday 9 September, the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs made three statements to the Assembly on the North South Ministerial Council Environment and the Aquaculture and Marine sectoral meetings which took place in Carlingford on 4 July and the Agriculture sectoral meeting which was held in Armagh on 20 June.  

The Minister began by providing an update on the discussions and outcomes from the Environment sectoral meeting, noting that Ministers had welcomed the continuing cooperation between environmental researchers in both jurisdictions via European-funded programmes.  It was agreed that both Administrations would continue to maximise opportunities for environmental research and funding, including those offered by PEACE PLUS, Horizon Europe, the Innovation Fund Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) collaborative research programme. The Council also agreed to engage biannually on biodiversity matters with a focus on conservation action and restoration initiatives as well as continued cooperation on PEACE PLUS programme and the Shared Island initiative funded biodiversity projects. You can read the Joint Communiqué here:

Discussions at the Aquaculture and Marine sectoral meeting centred upon the work of the Loughs Agency which was commended by the Council for its proactive response to addressing the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss on priority fish species. The Council also welcomed the Agency’s report on its conservation and protection efforts and activities, notably the EU-funded projects with the aim of improving the monitoring of aquatic animals and species; fisheries improvements to create climate-resilient rivers, improve water quality and maximise fisheries productivity; and marine tourism to promote aquatic ecosystems and support local economies. The Joint Communiqué can be accessed in full here: 

Ministers at the Agriculture sectoral meeting welcomed progress on a wide range of issues. Key areas discussed included cross-border cooperation on animal health with particular focus on tackling bovine TB, which the Minister stressed: “…remains a top priority”  as well as collaboration on plant health, pesticide regulation and contingency planning. Ministers also highlighted success in drawing down EU Horizon Europe research funding and announced new investment in bioeconomy projects, alongside continued cooperation on climate action, biodiversity and rural development. You can read the Joint Communiqué here: The Minister’s full statement including questions from Members can be read here:

Lough Neagh:

Also on Tuesday, the Leader of the Opposition, Matthew O’Toole MLA brought forward a motion calling on the Assembly to express [its] grave concern at the return of blue-green algae at Lough Neagh and other sites across Northern Ireland.  The motion also noted the severe environmental, economic and social impacts, including the suspension of eel fishing and criticised previous support for withdrawing a consultation on the Nutrients Action Programme. The Executive was further urged to support all necessary actions aimed at rescuing the UK and Ireland’s largest freshwater lake.

The motion was subject to a simple majority vote.  49 Members voted aye with 29 Members voting no, the motion was therefore carried. You can read the debate in full here:

Assembly Committees

Committee for the Executive Office:

EU related issues also featured in Committee business last week. On Wednesday, The First and deputy First Ministers responded to a question from the Committee for the Executive Office on access to the UK internal market, what representations they have made to the UK government on continued barriers and frictions for NI companies and their views on Lord Murphy’s Independent Review of the Windsor Framework.

The deputy First Minister noted that the Windsor Framework continued to present significant challenges and again described the Independent Review as: “…a missed opportunity.” She stated that the UK Government had: “…promised the people of Northern Ireland through ‘Safeguarding the Union’ unfettered internal UK trade and they have not delivered that.”

The First Minister responded by stating that: “…we are where we are because of Brexit” but went on to stress that she: “…welcomed any ongoing efforts to try to resolve any issues that are barriers to trade.”  She further welcomed the reset between the government and the EU which she noted was crucially important in terms of getting an SPS agreement. The First Minister also cited evidence of local companies including Denroy who she said had: “…taken great opportunity in dual market access.”

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee:

On Thursday the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee heard from Departmental officials on the first phase of policy development for the capital investment scheme which is being progressed as part of the overall Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP). The scheme which is expected to be launched by the end of 2025 will provide support for innovation and new technologies to help farm businesses improve environmental performance and business efficiency.

The Assembly’s Research and Information Service also provided the Committee with an  overview of the scale of aquaculture and the support provided to the sector across the UK and Ireland. The briefing included information on financial support noting that UK funding tends to be predominated by annual funding calls rather than the six-year European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund active within EU Member States such as Ireland. 

The discussion also touched on the forthcoming NI Fisheries Bill, the one year £3.25 million programme for fisheries and agriculture announced by the DAERA Minister in March and whether or not the Department had any plans to look towards the development of a long-term aquaculture strategy. The possibility of funding opportunities through the new UK wide £360m Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund was also noted. You  can read the full briefing paper here: and watch the meeting in full here:

The Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee:  

In a busy Committee day for EU matters, the Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee took evidence from the Trading Standards Service which is part of the Department for the Economy. The first items on the agenda were proposals for a Directive and a Regulation on digitalisation and common specifications. This would mandate digital formats for conformity declarations and digital contact information on products, simplifying reporting, and allowing digital instructions for products except for safety information.

Members also considered responses to a recent survey on an  EU Proposal for a Regulation on the safety of toys and repealing Directive 2009/48/EC, you can view further information and survey responses here. The Committee further discussed its  consultation on the Proposal for a regulation establishing the Union Customs Code and the European Union Customs Authority, and repealing Regulation (EU) No 952/2013. Consultation responses and related information is available here: You can find out more about the work and remit of the Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee here and watch last week’s full meeting here:

Full plenary debates can be viewed for Monday 8 September and Tuesday 9 September

In case you missed it...

• From 22 July 2025, Irish citizens living across the UK will be able to apply for British citizenship through a new route introduced by the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024. The process removes language and knowledge test requirements, cuts fees by 50%, and offers free applications for children in care or those unable to pay. Applicants must have lived in the UK for five years, with limited absences and no immigration breaches.
• The UK government announced that the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed on 24 July, is expected to deliver a £50 million boost to Northern Ireland’s economy, benefiting key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, engineering, medical technology, and food and drink. The deal will reduce or eliminate tariffs on a range of goods, including medical devices and Irish whiskey, and simplify customs procedures, enhancing export opportunities for local businesses.
• Sébastien Lecornu has been appointed the new French Prime Minister. He is the seventh Prime Minister in the Macron presidency. Politico examines why he’s the man for the job here.
• UK in a Changing Europe published its UK-EU Divergence Tracker Q4 2024 – Q2 2025 in July. While the previous tracker noted the government was preparing for closer alignment by halting key divergence initiatives, the latest update confirms this shift is now underway, identifying 21 instances of regulatory alignment—up from just four previously.
• Earlier this year, UK Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations Nick Thomas-Symonds told the FT that the UK was “open” to re-engaging with the Erasmus scheme. It reported on 31 August that the UK Department for Education had met with prospective suppliers after setting out in a tender notice its intention to pay between £20mn and £24mn for an 18-month contract starting in July 2026. UK participation in the €26.2bn scheme remains a key demand from EU capitals as part of wider “reset” talks.
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gave her annual State of the Union address on 10 September. Amid mounting pressure, the Guardian noted that her speech had a stark message: Europe must fight for its place in an “unforgiving” world, facing major powers that are either “ambivalent or openly hostile” towards it.
• Researchers at LSE’s Centre for Economic Performance published a discussion paper, “Deglobalisation in disguise? Brexit barriers and trade in services” at the end of June. Using data that allowed comparison of the growth in services trade across different sectors and between a large number of country-service pairs, they examined how strong UK services exports were in each sector compared with all other countries. Overall, the research found that UK global services exports five years after Brexit were estimated to be 4 to 5 per cent lower than they would have been without the effect of new trade frictions.