evidence: The other articles of the protocol which include guarantees to rights and equality, a commitment to the common travel area and to maintain north–south co-operation will remain in force regardless of any consent vote. [...] The provisions of the Northern Ireland protocol automatically entered into force at 11pm on 31 December 2020, at the end of the Brexit transition period. After four years, the UK must provide Northern Ireland with the opportunity to decide whether or not those provisions remain in place. [...] If the vote passes by a simple majority, consent will need to be sought again four years later. The UK government will also be required to commission an independent review into the functioning of the Northern Ireland protocol and the implications of its implementation or termination. The review must report within four years.