Vote on the continuing application of Articles 5 to 10 of the Windsor Framework

The Speaker has announced that he has received notice of a motion which will trigger a vote on the continuing application of Articles 5 to 10 of the Windsor Framework - the parts of the Framework relating to the EU single market.

The vote is likely to be held on 10 December, four years after the end of the transition period, subject to confirmation at tomorrow’s Business Committee meeting.

The motion on the continuation of Articles 5 to 10 has been tabled by MLAs from the SDLP, Sinn Fein and Alliance.

What Happens Next?

If the Assembly votes against the motion, Articles 5 to 10 will stop applying after two years.

If the motion is passed by a majority of MLAs, the next vote will be held in 4 years. If the motion is passed by a majority of MLAs with cross-community support, the next vote will be held in 8 years.

If the motion is passed only with a simple majority (i.e. without cross-community support), the UK Government has stated it will commission an independent review into the Windsor Framework and its implications.

Worth noting that the other articles in the Windsor Framework will remain in force regardless of the outcome of this democratic consent vote. These include provisions on rights of individuals, and the Common Travel Area. 

• Find out more about the Democratic Consent Mechanism and its implications.