Britain | Brexit and Northern Ireland

Explaining what is in the Windsor framework

Rishi Sunak’s deal softens the Irish Sea border, but not as much as he claims

HOLYHEAD, WALES - MARCH 01: H.M.Customs signs direct lorry drivers to the correct lane for administration and load checks before boarding ferries at Holyhead Port on March 01, 2023 in Holyhead, Wales. The Irish Sea port, a key link for freight traffic between Dublin and Great Britain, had seen a decline in freight volumes following post-Brexit trade requirements implemented in January 2021. With the announcement of the Windsor Framework, which will further amend EU-UK trade rules, political and business leaders in Wales have expressed concern that Holyhead will be at a further disadvantage against direct routes between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Image: Getty Images

THE NEW Brexit deal for Northern Ireland is a big win. Rishi Sunak glowed as he joined the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, on February 27th to unveil the “Windsor framework”. Mr Sunak touted the EU’s concessions and the new mutual trust. Yet the devil is in the details.

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This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “Untying the knot”

From the March 4th 2023 edition

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