Brexit: MLAs to vote on continuing Windsor Framework

The Alliance leader, Naomi Long, has confirmed her party would vote in favour of retaining the framework.

“The Windsor Framework remains the only viable option to help Northern Ireland navigate the chaos brought about by Brexit,” she said.

Long said those voting to remove it would be causing more instability at a time when people need the opposite.

The Leader of the Opposition, the SDLP’s Matthew O’Toole, said that the Assembly should use the debate “as an opportunity to discuss the potential that exists within our future relationship with Europe”.

“Northern Ireland has a unique relationship with the EU, not just because of the protocol but because our people have EU citizenship by birth right and the right to re-enter the EU automatically after a referendum.”

O’Toole said if an independent review is called after the vote, the party will make the case to maximise opportunities with the EU, including a voice in the European Parliament.