Motion

Motion TitleUK-EU Customs Union

Motion TextThat this Assembly recognises that both north–south and east–west trade are essential to the Northern Ireland economy; notes that the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union has recklessly and predictably resulted in new and unnecessary trade friction; reaffirms the importance of Northern Ireland’s dual market access and the Windsor Framework, which provides practical and necessary protections to mitigate some of the worst consequences of Brexit; acknowledges that despite these protections, substantial Brexit-related bureaucracy continues to place burdens on businesses; further recognises that growing geopolitical uncertainty underlines the need for stable, secure and rules-based trading relationships with our nearest neighbours; further notes that the fastest and clearest way to reduce trade friction is through closer alignment between the United Kingdom and its European neighbours; and calls on the UK Government to commence negotiations with the European Union on establishing a UK–EU customs union, or equivalent comprehensive customs arrangement, in order to address remaining Brexit-related trade bureaucracy and build on the foundations provided by the Windsor Framework.

Motion CategoryPrivate Members' Motion

Date Tabled to Business Office28/01/2026

Date Selected By Committee28/01/2026

Date of Plenary Debate09/02/2026