BCC Welcomes Windsor Framework Command Paper

31 Jan 2024

Published in: British Chambers of Commerce News

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William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce responds.

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Reacting to new detail of post-Brexit checks on goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said:

“We welcome the work which has gone into the Command Paper on taking forward the Windsor Framework. The Paper and legislation being considered tomorrow provide the basis for greater clarity on unfettered access for goods moving from NI to GB. The prospect of reduced compliance work in moving certain goods from GB to NI will be welcomed, but the details over any remaining checks will need to be carefully examined and considered.

“We welcome the suggestion on producing Internal Market Assessments on legislation and key regulatory proposals which fits with BCC recommendations. It is clear that considering the business costs of any regulatory divergence on goods trade, whether between GB and NI or between GB and the EU needs to be properly assessed, mitigated and resolved by policymakers.

“We look forward to engaging with the UK Government on how Intertrade UK will work in practice and on how this new legislation will operate in the real world if passed tomorrow.

Implementing the Windsor Framework provides stability for businesses in GB and NI, and a better co-operative relationship with the EU. We hope that foundation is built upon in the coming months and years with the potential return of devolved government in NI and a growing economy there.”