Brexit still carries its share of uncertainties, particularly regarding the short-term future of Northern Ireland. However, Great Britain has expressed its intention not to reinstate border controls between Ireland and Northern Ireland once it leaves the European Union.
This decision brings reassurance and addresses the concerns of Northern Ireland. To recall, a large majority of Northern Irish voters chose to remain in the European Union during the Brexit referendum on June 23. Great Britain’s exit from the EU therefore sparked many fears among them about a possible return of border checks. Such controls could threaten peace in the province and end the strong trade relations with Ireland after Brexit.
James Brokenshire, the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, has sought to reassure the local population by affirming that Great Britain does not wish to reintroduce border controls between Ireland and Northern Ireland once it leaves the European Union.
“We certainly do not want to return to the old border, we do not want to see a border put in place, and I believe there is a genuine commitment from the UK and the Irish government to maintain the current open trading area.”
A reassuring statement, but insufficient: it seems this decision does not rest solely with Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The issue could indeed be debated at the European level, in Brussels…
