The framework, and its predecessor the Northern Ireland Protocol, requires checks and customs paperwork on goods moving from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. Under the arrangements, which were designed to ensure no hardening of the Irish land border post-Brexit, Northern Ireland continues to follow many EU trade and customs rules. During the Bill’s second reading Mr Allister said: “The Secretary of State this afternoon said that this was a four nations Bill. “And that tobacco directive at Article 24 says this: ‘Member states may not prohibit or restrict the placing on the market of tobacco or related products’. “I want to give him and the House the assurance it is the responsibility of the UK Government to ensure compatibility of the Bill with the Windsor Framework.

Source: The Herald November 26, 2024 20:37 UTC