American Political Leadership Reacts to Windsor Framework News
As news of a resolution to the impasse between the UK and the EU over trade concerns broke, American political leaders responded with hope and enthusiasm for a path forward.
"I hope – as we all do – that Northern Ireland’s political institutions are soon back up and running. Those institutions embody the principle of devolved, power-sharing, representative government at the core of the Good Friday Agreement." US President Joe Biden
American President Joe Biden released a statement which read, "Today’s announcement between the United Kingdom and the European Union on the Windsor Framework is an essential step to ensuring that the hard-earned peace and progress of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement is preserved and strengthened. I appreciate the efforts of the leaders and officials on all sides who worked tirelessly to find a way forward that protects Northern Ireland’s place within the UK’s internal market as well as the EU’s single market, to the benefit of all communities in Northern Ireland.
I am confident the people and businesses of Northern Ireland will be able to take full advantage of the economic opportunities created by this stability and certainty, and the United States stands ready to support the region’s vast economic potential. Joe Kennedy, our new Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, will drive this effort in close cooperation with Ambassador Jane Hartley in London and Ambassador Claire Cronin in Dublin, as well as with business leaders in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland can accomplish the extraordinary when its leaders work together in common cause. And I hope – as we all do – that Northern Ireland’s political institutions are soon back up and running. Those institutions embody the principle of devolved, power-sharing, representative government at the core of the Good Friday Agreement.
As Northern Ireland prepares to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Agreement in April, let us remember that ending decades of conflict was not easy or inevitable. It required hard work and determination, and an unfailing faith that a better future was possible. Today, an entire generation of young people has grown up knowing only possibility and growing prosperity—the hard-earned dividend of peace. I am deeply proud of the role the United States has played for decades to help achieve, preserve, and strengthen that peace enshrined in the Agreement. And I look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners in Northern Ireland, the Governments of the United Kingdom and Ireland, and the European Union, to further that peace and prosperity.”
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said, “We congratulate the UK and EU on their announcement of the Windsor Framework. Northern Ireland will benefit from the opportunity, certainty, and stability brought about by the agreement.”
US Senator Chris Murphy said, “For those of us who have been pushing both sides to find agreement on the Northern Ireland Protocol, this is great news. No one should take peace in Northern Ireland for granted, and this agreement is vital in efforts to protect the Good Friday Agreement.”
US Representative Nancy Pelosi's statement read, “Today’s announcement by the European Union and the United Kingdom that they have reached an agreement on the Windsor Framework is good news. It appears that the consensus that has been reached will open the door to the restoration of Northern Ireland’s government, respectful of the Good Friday Agreement. The Windsor Framework must support the Good Friday Agreement, be acceptable to the people of Northern Ireland, and improve the British-Irish partnership.
“The United States is very proud of the role our leaders played in establishing the Good Friday Agreement, a pillar of our foreign policy – and we salute those who worked so hard to end the impasse a quarter-century ago. The Windsor Framework bodes well not only for the future of the Good Friday Agreement, but also for future EU-U.K. engagement. Congratulations to the leaders of the EU and U.K. who worked together to construct a sustainable outcome."
US Representative Brendan Boyle shared, “I commend UK and EU leaders upon reaching this important agreement. It is now vital that all parties return to the NI Assembly. Finally, after several years of friction between UK & EU, and UK & US, over this issue, it’s now time to fully come together.”
US Representative Bill Keating said “I commend the UK and the EU for remaining committed & for putting the interests of the people of Northern Ireland first in negotiations surrounding the Protocol. Commitment on all sides is essential & I look forward to further progress now that this agreement has been reached.”