UK’s Irish border proposal

The British government does not want a physical border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, according to a new document presented yesterday which proposes a new and “simplified” partnership in customs.

The border is the only land barrier between the UK and the EU and the aim is to avoid even the slightest alteration in the lives of the more than 35,000 people who cross the border daily to go to work. For the British Government, the Northern Ireland border is one of the most sensitive areas as it could jeopardize the fragile peace agreement in the region, which was signed in 1998 after nearly 40 years of conflict. Resolving this issue is also one of the three priorities raised by the EU to continue negotiations with the rights of citizens and the bill to be paid by London to leave the Union.

Britain’s innovative proposal would effectively leave a back door open for the entry and exit of goods free from future customs and excise through the Irish Republic and be similar to existing agreements the EU has with Turkey and Macedonia and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). It also proposes a new “trust agreement” for large companies and a “cross-border exemption” for small businesses.

The British minister for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire said yesterday “I think that the EU and the Irish government will be aware of the need for imaginative solutions,” and that any change will be “appropriate and useful.” The preservation of the peace agreement is vital and should not be, he said, “a bargaining chip”.

The Irish political party Sinn Fein believes the proposal is not feasible.