The House of Lords Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee visited Newry on Thursday 12th June to hear firsthand from local businesses, retailers and community representatives about their practical experiences of operating within the Windsor Framework and how it has impacted business.
The visit formed part of Committee’s ongoing inquiry into Strengthening Northern Ireland’s voice in the context of the Windsor Framework and will help shape the Committee’s conclusions and recommendations to the UK Government in its final report, expected to be published late Summer 2025.
Newry Chamber was represented at the Committee Hearing by President, Edwina Flynn, CEO, Michael Savage and a number of prominent Chamber member businesses with direct engagement with the regulations around the Windsor Framework.
Edwina Flynn, President of Newry Chamber said:
“The Windsor Framework has thrown up a few challenges for local businesses and the Scrutiny Committee got to hear from those businesses first-hand about their experiences.”
“The Dual Market Access advantages that flow from the Framework provide the Greater Newry Area and its strategic location as the gateway to both markets, with a unique opportunity to become a hub for trade between the EU and UK markets.”
“Newry Chamber is working to maximise this opportunity, and we were delighted to facilitate discussion with the Scrutiny Committee to outline our ambitions from the area but also highlight areas of concern that needed to be addressed.”
“The engagement was excellent and I commend those businesses for their testimony and thank the Scrutiny Committee for coming to Newry to hear the views of local businesses and stakeholders.”
Chair of the Committee, Lord Carlile said:
“The purpose of the Committee’s visit to Newry has been to help inform our ongoing inquiry, which is looking into strengthening the voice of Northern Ireland in the context of the Windsor Framework.”
“We are aiming to bring fresh clarity to the complexities of the Windsor Framework so that everyone from local businesses to community stakeholders and political leaders can better understand both the opportunities and challenges it presents and to ensure that Northern Ireland’s voice is not only heard but strengthened in the process.”
“For the Committee, an essential part of understanding the practical implications of the Windsor Framework has been getting out of Westminster to Northern Ireland and hearing first-hand about the experiences on the ground.”
“We met several members of the Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, spoke with local community organisations and had the opportunity to look around the impressive local manufacturing facilities at MJM Marine. Committee members were very grateful to all of those who made time to share their experiences during the course of the visit.”
“A key thing we have learnt is that the Windsor Framework remains complex and experiences on the ground differ according to sector, location or background.”
“Our inquiry comes at a time of change in Europe and in the UK’s relationship with Europe. In this context it is crucial the voices of Newry and all Northern Ireland’s communities are represented and heard and their best interests protected.”