SDLP Welcomes Border Force Removing Irish Passport Holder Restriction

The Border Force agency has been accused of "covering the British Government's tracks" for its "shoddy thoughtless policy".

SDLP Brexit Spokesperson Claire Hanna MLA made the comments following reports that Border Force have now rolled back on its bar on Irish passport holders.

Ms Hanna said: "The SDLP has been out front and centre challenging the 'Border Farce'. Just this week I ensured that the Equality Commission was made aware of the scandal that Irish passport users would be prevent for applying for jobs with the Border Force. The SDLP will not stand for any suggestion of a job criteria that is 'British only need apply'.

"Though if reports are correct and this bar on Irish Passport holders has belatedly been lifted I welcome that be. But this was clearly not just an administrative error but a policy - my constituent was expressly given specific though incorrect reasons why she was being excluded. And for that the British Government must respond in full. Border Force cannot be covering the British Government's tracks for this shoddy, thoughtless policy.

"This 'border farce' is yet another example of the UK simply not understanding or caring enough about the different and specific impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland, and an illustration of the blunt and destructive way in which it forces issues of identity and allegiance into our everyday lives.

"I've contacted Amber Rudd directly to ask for an immediate response to the big question - what border these employees will be guarding?

"No border on this island is acceptable or possible. It's time that those behind these farcical policy plans realised that. With the EU rubbishing the British Government's attempts to deal with the border issue, it is increasingly clear that staying in both the customs union and single market is the only way to address the disastrous impact of Brexit."

(MH)