Brexit will change the face of Northern Ireland. Its social and economic wellbeing has taken a back seat throughout the entire process, with a lack of forward thinking in Westminster compromising the future of a nation. The commitment to a frictionless border contradicts the UK’s future immigration policy, and the associated unrest will cause more divisions in a country already divided. Additionally, the introduction of customs checks would not only hamper cross-border trade, but form a physical target for violence and destruction.
The movement of people
Boris Johnson is striving for the hardest possible form of Brexit. Regardless of whether a deal is struck, free movement will end once the UK’s membership of the EU ends. At present, the Common Travel Area (CTA) is in place, enabling citizens of both the UK and the Republic of Ireland to move freely between the two nations. The CTA is an intrinsic part of the frictionless and invisible nature of the Irish border – without such an agreement, border crossings would necessitate immigration checks. Johnson’s government, like May’s before it, has committed to upholding the CTA regardless of Brexit’s outcome. In essence, this is positive. One potential form of disruption on the island of Ireland can be cast aside. Regrettably, however, it is a move that asks more questions than it answers.
At present, the Common Travel Area (CTA) is in place, enabling citizens of both the UK and the Republic of Ireland to move freely between the two nations.
As touched upon, the EU’s principle of free movement will soon no longer apply to the UK. Yet for the Irish Republic, it will continue as usual. The CTA only functions effectively due to a sufficient degree of alignment between UK and Irish immigration policies, as this prevents either country forming a ‘back door’ for entry into the other. Whilst Irish citizens will continue to be exempt, other EU nationals will be subject to immigration control in post-Brexit Britain. This comprises a major divergence from Ireland’s approach to EU nationals, a divergence that damages the integrity of the CTA.
