After nearly two years, it looks like power-sharing will shortly be restored at Stormont. This afternoon MPs will pass two statutory instruments (SI) which will pave the way for the restoration of the executive in Belfast. The Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and Minister Steve Baker will lead two 90-minute debates on changes to the Windsor Framework for goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The subject of Northern Ireland’s future featured little in the EU referendum campaign but has since proved to be arguably the thorniest Brexit-related issue in subsequent years. Today though, we can expect little of the sound and fury which has characterised much of the debate since 2016. Given that both the Labour party and a majority of Tories back them, the SIs should pass easily, even if the eight DUP MPs abstain or oppose.
The European Research Group (ERG) of Tory Brexiteers held a meeting to discuss the changes yesterday afternoon.
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