BREXIT AND BORDERS - WHAT ISSUES HAVE ARISEN SO FAR?

By Neel Shah

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Brexit is the term used to describe the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, with a deal currently being negotiated between the two parties. Brexit is a complicated issue and from it several controversies have arisen due to the lack of agreement over several proposals, with the UK currently preparing for a no-deal situation. One of the key controversies in the talks is the Irish border, the only land border between the UK and the European Union.

A border is an artificial construct used to divide the world into regions which are centrally managed. Borders exist between nations, states and regions and provide a way to separate areas to make control easier. Historically, borders have been less defined due to the existence of fewer nations, the high frequency of war (which led to constantly changing borders) and the low level of activity in these regions. However, today borders serve as a barrier to nations, enabling control of migration, defining territory and preventing war from breaking out over disputed land (in most cases). Many borders remain hostile, however currently the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland has no restriction due to the free movement of individuals within the EU.

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The situation between Northern Ireland and Ireland is a key concern in order to prevent the violence that has occurred in the past. The entire island of Ireland used to be part of the United Kingdom under the British Empire, however in 1916 the Irish rebelled in the Easter uprising, protesting for their freedom. There were several reasons for this, mainly concerning the mistreatment of Catholics in a Protestant state, however Northern Ireland was predominantly Protestant, and so remained within the UK when the Irish free state was created in 1921. This created a land border between Ireland and the UK, which was a source of tension due to the divide it represented. However, since both nations joined the EU in 1973, the border has remained relatively calm and there have been no major conflicts. However, Brexit threatens to change the situation and refuel tensions between the two nations.

One of the most controversial topics within Brexit is the Irish border, with several ‘solutions’ proposed, however none being truly considered by all parties involved:

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  • The first proposal is a hard border between the United Kingdom and Ireland at the current border, dividing the island between the two nations. This idea, although the first to come to mind, has been rejected by most parties involved, particularly the United Kind itself and the Irish republic. Many people in both nations frequently cross the border for work, leisure and social activity, however the presence of a hard border will make this process significantly more difficult on a daily basis. In addition, there are fears in both governments that the presence of a hard border will reignite tensions between the two groups in Northern Ireland, creating problems worse than during ‘the Troubles’ in Northern Ireland.

  • Another proposal is no border on the island, however a border between Great Britain and Northern Ireland (acting as a marine border). However, the main issue in this case is the DUP, one of the two parties in Northern Ireland and the supporters of the current UK government in order to ensure a majority between the Conservatives and the DUP. The DUP do not want a special circumstance for Northern Ireland as they feel it will alienate them from the UK, and so are strongly opposed to this prospect.

  • Another proposal is no border on the island, however a border between Great Britain and Northern Ireland (acting as a marine border). However, the main issue in this case is the DUP, one of the two parties in Northern Ireland and the supporters of the current UK government in order to ensure a majority between the Conservatives and the DUP. The DUP do not want a special circumstance for Northern Ireland as they feel it will alienate them from the UK, and so are strongly opposed to this prospect.

  • One of the more interesting ideas suggested is a technological border, the first of its kind. This proposal suggests that the border will be documented using technology, such as CCTV, which enables tracking of migration and the movement of people across the border in a non-invasive way. This would enable the UK to maintain a border with the EU, however would eliminate the inconvenience of a hard border with physical crossing points. The only problems encountered so far with this solution are the cost and the efficacy; as the method of untested it is not guaranteed to work.

    As a result, the question remains, would it be possible to create this border by 2019, when the UK will officially leave the EU?