By james art Hilary Benn sent a letter to the Speaker of the Assembly on Thursday asking First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengeley to table a motion by the end of November.
The vote must be held on Articles 5 to 10 of the Windsor Framework, which underpins the EU trade laws in force in Northern Ireland, before they expire.
They have proved controversial, with unionists arguing that they threaten Northern Ireland’s place in the UK.
The democratic consent process was a key part of the Brexit deal, giving elected representatives in Northern Ireland a say on the trade deals reached after years of negotiations between the EU and the UK.
Unlike other votes on controversial issues at Stormont, this one does not require community support to pass.
If voted in by a majority, the protocols are extended for four years and the government is required to review how the arrangements are working.
If it wins the support of a majority of unionists and a majority of nationalists, it is extended for eight years.
Assembly Speaker Edwin Potts said if the executive tabled the proposal, it would also have to provide explanatory material.
No one else can table a motion for democratic consent in November, but if Ms O’Neill and Ms Little-Pengeley do not table such a motion, any MLA can do so between December 1 and 6 inclusive.
“If that happens, the Secretary of State must take reasonable steps to provide members with such explanatory material as is reasonable to provide to assist them in resolving the matter,” Mr Poots said.
“The Business Committee will schedule any proposal for a consent resolution.
“If a motion for approval is moved by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister or a member but not decided before Tuesday 17 December 2024, the Assembly must meet on Tuesday 17 December 2024 to decide on the motion .
“However, I would prefer that any such proposal be discussed at a scheduled meeting before that date.”