European Union: Court of Justice

Lord Thomas of Gresford Excerpts

Wednesday 26th February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

I hate to disappoint the noble Lord that he had to have me and not the Attorney-General; if he would like to talk to the Attorney-General, he is more than welcome to join me in the Not-Content Lobby this afternoon.

With regard to the Question, we are quite clear: we are not giving a running commentary on this. We will always act in the national interest to secure what is best for Britain, including British businesses and citizens, while keeping to the red lines that were clearly outlined in our manifesto.

[Lord Thomas of Gresford (LD)]

My Lords, what role does the European Court of Justice have in overseeing the Windsor Framework agreement and what steps will the Government take to improve access to that court by the Northern Ireland Government and Northern Ireland citizens?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

My Lords, the negotiated deal in the Windsor Framework and the update, Safeguarding the Union, had a very clear role. We are doing everything we can to deliver on Safeguarding the Union; as colleagues will know, I work regularly with noble Lords from Northern Ireland to do that, as do the rest of my colleagues on the Front Bench.

With regard to the role of the ECJ and associated courts, those are not specifically relevant to this, but I will update the House if I am wrong.