The deal between the UK government and the European Union to address issues with trade in and to Northern Ireland has been formally signed off.
The Windsor Framework, which was unveiled in February, is legal agreement designed to adapt the current Northern Ireland Protocol.
According to the news agency PA, it’s understood to have been adopted by the UK and EU at a Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee meeting between Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and the European Commission’s Maros Sefcovic in London this morning (Friday).
It comes as the UK Government won the backing of MPs for the deal in the House of Commons earlier this week to implement the Stormont brake – an aspect of the framework which allows a functioning NI Executive to veto EU rules.
“By formally approving the Windsor Framework, we are delivering on our commitment to provide stability and certainty for Northern Ireland,” Mr Cleverly said ahead of the meeting.
“The framework is the best deal for Northern Ireland, safeguarding its place in the Union and protecting the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.
“I look forward to further effective co-operation with the EU on key issues, such as security and energy.”
On Thursday, Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris held a series of talks with Northern Ireland leaders in Hillsborough in which he declared “the deal is done” following the DUP’s leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson’s comments concerning further negotiations.
The DUP are continuing to oppose a return to powersharing, which collapsed last year following the party’s concerns over the Protocol.