Table of Contents
Is the UK still in the EU?
After the December 2019 election, the British parliament finally ratified the withdrawal agreement with the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020. The UK left the EU at the end of 31 January 2020 CET (11 p.m. GMT).
Is Northern Ireland legally a country?
Northern Ireland is a distinct legal jurisdiction, separate from the two other jurisdictions in the United Kingdom (England and Wales, and Scotland). Northern Ireland law developed from Irish law that existed before the partition of Ireland in 1921.
Why is the EU suing the UK over the Northern Ireland checks?
The EU has now launched legal action against the UK, alleging that it is unilaterally changing the rules in breach of international law. The checks apply to goods travelling from GB to Northern Ireland and were introduced under the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol, part of the treaty which took the UK out of the EU.
What does Brexit mean for the Northern Ireland peace deal?
During Brexit negotiations, all sides agreed that protecting the Northern Ireland peace deal ( the Good Friday agreement) was an absolute priority. It meant keeping the land border between the Republic of Ireland (in the EU) and Northern Ireland (in the UK) open and avoiding new infrastructure like cameras and border posts.
What does the EU Protocol mean for the Northern Ireland border?
Under the protocol it was agreed that Northern Ireland would continue to follow EU rules on product standards (part of the single market) to prevent checks along the border. Checks would instead take place on goods entering Northern Ireland from England, Scotland or Wales.
How will Brexit affect lorries in Northern Ireland?
After Brexit, Northern Ireland continues to follow many EU rules, in particular the ones governing the trade in goods, meaning lorries can drive across the land border without being inspected.