ERG 'Star Chamber' To Hold Presser Outlining Views On Windsor Framework

A 'star chamber' of legal experts compiled by the hard-line Brexiteer European Research Group (ERG) of backbench Conservative MPs is set to hold a press conference in the coming hour or so outlining its views on the 'Windsor framework' - the deal reached between the UK gov't and the EU on reforming the non-functioning Northern Ireland protocol. Adam Payne at Politics Home reported yesterday the presser could take place around 1130GMT, but this could be brought forwards.

• While the ERG does not hold the political clout that it once did - notably during the tenure of PM Theresa May during the 'meaningful vote' period when she could not pass her Brexit deal due to ERG obstruction - the group's views are likely to gain some prominent political attention. This comes in the run-up to tomorrow's Commons vote on a statutory instrument related to the 'Stormont brake', the provision of the Windsor framework intended to allow Northern Ireland assembly members to veto EU law being implemented in Northern Ireland.
• On 20 March, head of the hard-line unionist Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Sir Jeffrey Donaldson stated that his party's eight MPs in Westminster would vote against the framework, arguing that “Whilst representing real progress, the brake does not deal with the fundamental issue which is the imposition of EU law by the protocol.”