The Irish border: trade deals, backstops and the lingering threat of violence
The Irish border is an issue connected to Brexit that has been in the news recently. It's left many politicians divided and unsure of how to deal with the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. But what exactly is the problem and what is going to happen?
Currently, both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are members of the European Union (The EU ) The border between the two countries is an “open border,” which is over 310 miles long. Goods and people can freely move from one side of the border to another. Over 500 children cross the border to go to school every day. As soon as the U.K.(which includes Northern Ireland) leaves the EU, this could possibly mean people won’t be able to cross the border quite as easily.
Opinions are divided so as what to do when the U.K. leaves the EU. One option is a “Hard Border” meaning it would be controlled by police or customs officials. People would need to have their passports and cars checked to cross the border. Journeys that were once quick and easy could become much longer and complicated.
Another option is the Irish backstop, which could mean Northern Ireland continue to follow some of the rules that other countries in the European Union follow, so the border could be kept more open. Unfortunately, that could separate Northern Island from the rest of the U.K. The U.K. and the EU want to work out a deal that means the border can either stay open or be managed differently.
The Irish border has been a problem before, dating back to the 1920s when the Republic of Ireland separated from Northern Island, splitting off from British Rule. After this happened Northern Ireland's population was divided: Unionists, who were content with staying part of the U.K. and Nationalists, who wanted to join the Republic of Ireland. Both sides started protesting, eventually becoming violent against each other in the 1960s. From the 1970s to the 1990s there was lots of violence and many people died. British troops were sent in to control the violence but the Irish Republican Army retaliated, carrying out bombings to Britain and the Northern Ireland.
After years of fighting, the Irish Republican Army announced it would stop the bombings and the shootings. This meant the Unionists and the Nationalists could try to agree and solve their problems. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed. The public voted for this agreement and a new government was formed that would share power between the Unionists and Nationalists. The Northern Ireland Assembly took their seats that December.
However in 2017, the deal between the main parties in Northern Ireland collapsed. Although politicians continue to disagree, the violence has thankfully not returned.
However, many Irish people have been worried by the border and what will be done to resolve the problem. Margaret Rofe, (Irish grandmother of student here at Heathfield) said that “When the U.K. leaves, Irish people will be very sad and a bit apprehensive about what new rules they will establish in the north.” She added, ‘Irish people are frightened they might erect a new hard border and that fighting might start again.’
Currently, it is unknown as to what will happen to the border, and what rules might be made. Hopefully we have learned from the past enough to not start fighting again.
Emma Dear
Currently, both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are members of the European Union (The EU ) The border between the two countries is an “open border,” which is over 310 miles long. Goods and people can freely move from one side of the border to another. Over 500 children cross the border to go to school every day. As soon as the U.K.(which includes Northern Ireland) leaves the EU, this could possibly mean people won’t be able to cross the border quite as easily.
Opinions are divided so as what to do when the U.K. leaves the EU. One option is a “Hard Border” meaning it would be controlled by police or customs officials. People would need to have their passports and cars checked to cross the border. Journeys that were once quick and easy could become much longer and complicated.
Another option is the Irish backstop, which could mean Northern Ireland continue to follow some of the rules that other countries in the European Union follow, so the border could be kept more open. Unfortunately, that could separate Northern Island from the rest of the U.K. The U.K. and the EU want to work out a deal that means the border can either stay open or be managed differently.
The Irish border has been a problem before, dating back to the 1920s when the Republic of Ireland separated from Northern Island, splitting off from British Rule. After this happened Northern Ireland's population was divided: Unionists, who were content with staying part of the U.K. and Nationalists, who wanted to join the Republic of Ireland. Both sides started protesting, eventually becoming violent against each other in the 1960s. From the 1970s to the 1990s there was lots of violence and many people died. British troops were sent in to control the violence but the Irish Republican Army retaliated, carrying out bombings to Britain and the Northern Ireland.
After years of fighting, the Irish Republican Army announced it would stop the bombings and the shootings. This meant the Unionists and the Nationalists could try to agree and solve their problems. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed. The public voted for this agreement and a new government was formed that would share power between the Unionists and Nationalists. The Northern Ireland Assembly took their seats that December.
However in 2017, the deal between the main parties in Northern Ireland collapsed. Although politicians continue to disagree, the violence has thankfully not returned.
However, many Irish people have been worried by the border and what will be done to resolve the problem. Margaret Rofe, (Irish grandmother of student here at Heathfield) said that “When the U.K. leaves, Irish people will be very sad and a bit apprehensive about what new rules they will establish in the north.” She added, ‘Irish people are frightened they might erect a new hard border and that fighting might start again.’
Currently, it is unknown as to what will happen to the border, and what rules might be made. Hopefully we have learned from the past enough to not start fighting again.
Emma Dear