On the 27th February 2023, the United Kingdom and the European Union introduced the Windsor Framework – a proposed legal trading agreement intend to mitigate bureaucracy for goods destined for Northern Ireland. It’s something that hauliers working in this area have shown strong support for – according to Logistics UK.

Based on recent research, it was found just under 80% of survey respondents welcome the certainty associated with the new proposal, although people are said to still have questions. 

Included in the proposal are separate green and red lanes, with only the latter moving onto the EU and being subjected to normal checks. 

Prolonged Uncertainty in Northern Ireland Since Brexit

Speaking on the matter recently, Logistics UK’s Head of Trade & Devolved Policy Nichola Mallon had this to say:

“The agreement is welcome news for our members who drive the NI supply chain with GB, Ireland and Europe. Since the UK left the EU, our members in NI have experienced a period of prolonged uncertainty as the details of how to trade with our closest neighbours have been negotiated.

More than 55% of our surveyed members agree that the new deal will reduce the administrative and cost burdens on trading between GB and NI, a reduction recognised by two-thirds of those trading between NI and Ireland – all of which is excellent news for businesses in the logistics sector and for the wider NI economy.”

47% of Businesses Uncertain of Affordability On Offer

However, the reaction to the Windsor Framework wasn’t all 100% positive, as the research also highlighted the fact that 47% of businesses were doubtful or uncertain of the affordability it would deliver. Mallon continues:

“The Windsor Framework is a positive position from which to strengthen & grow NI’s trading relationships with both GB & the EU, which have been in limbo since the UK left the European Union.

72% of those businesses questioned which are not currently trading with NI agree that the Framework provides more stability and certainty for trade, while 40% of those surveyed confirmed they will be looking to re-establish trading links with NI. 

This reinforces Logistics UK’s call for a targeted strategy with GB suppliers to re-establish and strengthen trade with NI.”

While nothing official has yet been released, NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has suggested that members of parliament could get to vote on the Windsor Framework proposal within the next 2 to 3 weeks.

Re-establishing Strong Ties Between the UK & EU

Brexit has presented certain challenges since 2020, with many UK and NI hauliers experiencing uncertainty during this period. At HGVC, we concur with the haulage operators who have strong support for the Windsor Agreement and are fully behind the proposal as put forward. Any move to make things easier for UK hauliers is a welcome move.

In the meantime, we’ll continue to do what we’ve been doing for decades – delivering industry-leading HGVC licence acquisition programs via our national network of training centres. Our services scale to any size of the need, meaning we can help businesses to circumvent the ongoing dearth of drivers in the UK right now. 

To learn more about us and what sets us apart from the competition, please take a moment to browse our website. Alternatively, to get in touch, click ‘contact us’ or call 0330 818 8888, where you’ll find our dedicated team, who’s more than happy to discuss your needs.