Windsor Framework Faces First Parliamentary Test On 22 March

The UK gov't has confirmed that the House of Commons will debate a section of the 'Windsor Framework' on Wednesday 22 March, marking the first time that the deal intended to resolve issues regarding the Northern Ireland protocol will face scrutiny from lawmakers. The debate will focus on a motion to enact measures that would allow the 'Stormont break' to operate. The brake is set to allow the Northern Ireland Assembly to stop EU laws from applying to goods in NI if 1/3 or more of MLAs request so.

• The debate and vote is not seen as likely to fail, given that the main opposition Labour Party has stated that it will support the passage of the framework. The main focus will be on the words and actions of the unionist Democratic Unionist Party and backbench Brexiteer Conservative MPs.
• Earlier this week, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson issued a statement saying that more work was needed for his party to back the deal, raising the prospect of its MPs voting against the motion.
• Brexiteer Conservatives have been quieter, with no sign that the 'European Research Group' of hard-line MPs are going to seek to launch a rebellion against the framework.
• Former PM Boris Johnson, who still holds significant sway among many backbench Conservatives, stated in a speech in early March that he would find it “difficult to vote for”, but cut short of saying he would oppose the framework.