The House of Lords Northern Ireland Scrutiny
Committee has launched a new inquiry into Article 2 of the Protocol/Windsor
Framework and how rights in Northern Ireland are being
protected following the UK's exit from the European
Union.
The inquiry will focus on Article
2 of the Protocol/Windsor
Framework which seeks to ensure that there is
no diminution of rights, safeguards or equality of
opportunity in Northern Ireland as a result
of Brexit.
During
the inquiry the Committee will examine what
Article 2 means in practice, how it operates and what
impact it has on Northern Ireland and the wider United
Kingdom.
In light of the
recent UK Supreme Court judgment in
the case of Dillon, the
Committee will also explore Article 2's enforceability and the
available remedies for any breach. It will also consider the
Government's, the European Union's and civil society's
expectations on how the provision should work and be
applied.
The Committee
has launched a call for written
evidence inviting individuals
and organisations to submit written
submissions by 5pm on Thursday
9 July.
The Committee would like to hear from
a broad range of perspectives including academic
and legal experts, Northern Ireland political parties, the
Commissioners for the Dedicated Mechanism, and civil
society organisations impacted by the scope of Article
2.
It is particularly keen to hear
from a diverse group of witnesses, including
individuals and organisations that have not previously
provided evidence to the Committee.
Chair of the Committee, Lord
Carlile said:
“The rights and equality protections covered by Article 2
are of fundamental importance to people in Northern Ireland. This
inquiry will allow us to examine whether those commitments are
being fully upheld in practice following the UK's departure from
the European Union.
“In light of recent legal developments, including the
Supreme Court's judgment in the Dillon case, it is especially
important that we consider how enforceable these protections are,
and whether there is clarity and confidence among those
affected. We are keen to hear from a wide range of voices,
including experts and those directly impacted by the
issues raised, to inform our
inquiry.”
The Committee will hold
weekly public oral
evidence sessions which will run until
the Autumn. These will be available to watch in person or online
at Parliamentlive.TV
Notes to editors:
- Full details of the Committee's inquiry and its call for
evidence is available on its website: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/9589/article2-of-the-protocolwindsor-framework/
