DUP leader says Windsor Framework is 'one of the biggest impediments' to UK economic ties

Gavin Robinson made the comments in parliament ahead of Thursday’s meeting of the East-West Council in Belfast – and called on the government to adopt a more “pragmatic” approach on the Irish Sea border.

However, EU relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds says Labour has been taking a “pragmatic and proportionate approach” – and an expected deal with Brussels on food and drink would “reduce the level of checks”.

The East West Council was set up under the Safeguarding the Union deal between the DUP and the last government. The commitments in it were judged by the DUP to be enough for a return to Stormont after a boycott over the Irish Sea border. However, it left the Windsor Framework intact.

Since the deal was signed, the scale of problems with having an internal regulatory border inside the UK have become clearer. Any rules set by the UK government for Great Britain which diverge from the EU regulations applicable in NI under the framework risk further trade friction.

in Parliament, Gavin Robinson raised the continued impact of the framework on trade within the UK, warning that “punitive measures” risk undermining East–West economic ties.

“The East–West Council was created to strengthen ties within the United Kingdom, and he knows that one of the impediments to those economic ties is the Windsor Framework.

“So does he envisage knowing that there are punitive measures still to be implemented, including customs required on parcels moving from one part of our country to another, for ordinary consumers?

“Does he recognise that in building a better relationship with the European Union, it requires more pragmatism when it comes to Northern Ireland?”, Mr Robinson asked the government.

The minister said “I certainly do take a pragmatic and proportionate approach” – adding that is one of the reasons he is so keen to get the food and drink agreement with the EU implemented as soon as possible.