UK parliament approves legislation on constitutional status of Northern Ireland

LONDON (Reuters) – Members of the British parliament have voted in favor of overhauling Brexit trade regulations in Northern Ireland, a move that sets the stage for the return of the region’s power-sharing government after nearly two years.

The House of Commons approved the changes, which reaffirm Northern Ireland’s status within the United Kingdom and require ministers to evaluate the potential impact of any new laws on trade between Northern Ireland and Britain, without the need for a formal vote.

Following the departure of the Democratic Unionist Party over post-Brexit trade regulations, Northern Ireland has been without a devolved government. The party claimed that the rules created trade barriers with the rest of the UK and undermined Northern Ireland’s position within it.

(Reporting by William James and Andrew MacAskill)