The Government has published its response to the Independent Review of the Windsor Framework as the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) comments.

The Review, led by Lord Murphy of Torfaen, examined how the Windsor Framework is operating following the Northern Ireland Assembly’s vote on its continuation. 

The Government’s response, published by the secretary of state for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, sets out its position on the review’s recommendations and its approach to governance, democratic scrutiny, stakeholder engagement and business support.

Jennier Pheasey, director of public affairs of the HTA, says the government’s response is “a positive and welcome step,” she adds:

“It signals a clear intent to address the practical issues that continue to affect our member businesses trading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

“We particularly welcome the £16.6 million programme of business support announced at the recent Budget for an enhanced ‘one stop shop’ for businesses, a recommendation that emerged directly from this review. 

“For small and medium-sized enterprises, clear guidance and accessible, responsive support will be essential if the framework is to work as intended. The focus must now be on swift implementation, supported by a clear and firm timeline for delivering all of the review’s recommendations.”

Pheasey concludes that the government must provide clarity on the impact of the EU deforestation regulation on Northern Ireland businesses.