Lords to debate report on strengthening Northern Ireland’s voice in the context of the Windsor Framework

The House of Lords will debate the Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee report Northern Ireland after Brexit: Strengthening Northern Ireland's voice in the context of the Windsor Framework on Wednesday 25 March. 

The Committee report published in October issued a strong warning that the current arrangements under the Windsor Framework are overwhelmingly complex and impossible for stakeholders to navigate. It concluded that efforts to address the democratic deficit in Northern Ireland following Brexit remain insufficient, and it called for urgent action to strengthen Northern Ireland's role in the UK-EU relationship reset.

The Government responded to this report in February 2026  accepting several of the Committee's recommendations, including a ‘One Stop Shop' advice service for businesses navigating the Windsor Framework and more formalised stakeholder engagement.

The debate is expected to start at around 4:15pm on Wednesday 25 March in Grand Committee. The debate will be opened by Lord Carlile of Berriew, Chair of the Committee. It will be available to watch live or after the debate on Parliamentlive.tv

Members due to speak in the debate include:

Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard

Lord Dodds of Duncairn

Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee

Baroness Goudie

Lord Hain

Baroness Ludford

Lord Murphy of Torfaen

Baroness O'Loan

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick

Baroness Sanderson of Welton

Lord Thomas of Gresford