The Implications of Brexit for the Irish Border: Challenges and Options

Dr Katy Hayward (QUB) A key conundrum facing policymakers is how to realise a central ambition of the Brexit campaign (i.e. hardening the UK’s borders with the EU) without damaging the benefits currently ensured by the UK’s ‘soft’ borders with Ireland. This presentation will focus on the Irish border as the locus of this challenge – one which has particular implications for the cohesion of the UK and political stability within NI. It will first identify the likely fracture points and, indeed, yield points in cross-border cooperation on the island. It will then outline different options for managing the UK/Ireland border flows and governance in the potential context of the UK’s exit from the EU. This seminar took place on 12 October 2016. Download: Policy Briefing Presentation