Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee

Northern Ireland's constitutional position and the operation of the Windsor Framework form the core of this House of Lords select committee's scrutiny remit. The committee takes oral evidence from government officials, business representatives, and other stakeholders to examine how the Framework functions in practice. Operating as a dedicated select committee of the upper chamber, it maintains sustained oversight of the substantive issues arising from the Framework's implementation. Recent sessions have focused on the Trade Support Scheme and One-Stop Shop mechanisms introduced in 2026, reflecting the committee's interest in how practical trading arrangements operate post-Framework. The committee has also gathered evidence directly from Northern Ireland business voices on the Framework's economic impacts, and examined specific sectoral challenges including veterinary medicines regulation. These inquiries demonstrate the committee's engagement with both high-level governance questions and the granular details of how the Framework affects trade and commerce.