Menu
08/05/2019
Memo To Ensure Free Cross-Border Travel After Brexit
A deal to preserve the Common Travel Area (CTA) between the UK and Ireland after Brexit is due to be signed today, Wednesday 08 May.
The memorandum of understanding will guarantee freedom of movement for citizens crossing the Irish border for study and health care.
It is a non-legally binding agreement that will be signed by British and Irish ministers at a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in London.
The development comes as talks to resume the powersharing institutions of Stormont resumed yesterday, 07 May.
The Alliance Party has called on the governments to go a step further and enact a formal treaty to "fully encapsulate" the CTA.
Dr Stephen Farry, speaking after the memorandum was revealed, said: "The Common Travel Area has evolved over the last century and it was essentially based around custom and practice. It was overtaken and overlaid by the much more comprehensive and legally enforceable set of mutual rights that came from the joint EU membership of the UK and Ireland.
"In the context of all versions of Brexit, but especially a no deal scenario, we don't yet fully know the implications and damage to rights protections. Therefore, what is a good step in terms of a memorandum of understanding needs to evolve into a formal, legally enforceable, treaty."
(JG/CM)
The memorandum of understanding will guarantee freedom of movement for citizens crossing the Irish border for study and health care.
It is a non-legally binding agreement that will be signed by British and Irish ministers at a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in London.
The development comes as talks to resume the powersharing institutions of Stormont resumed yesterday, 07 May.
The Alliance Party has called on the governments to go a step further and enact a formal treaty to "fully encapsulate" the CTA.
Dr Stephen Farry, speaking after the memorandum was revealed, said: "The Common Travel Area has evolved over the last century and it was essentially based around custom and practice. It was overtaken and overlaid by the much more comprehensive and legally enforceable set of mutual rights that came from the joint EU membership of the UK and Ireland.
"In the context of all versions of Brexit, but especially a no deal scenario, we don't yet fully know the implications and damage to rights protections. Therefore, what is a good step in terms of a memorandum of understanding needs to evolve into a formal, legally enforceable, treaty."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Belfast Christmas Market Announces Dublin Express As Official Travel Partner
Belfast Christmas Market is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in style, with the announcement of Dublin Express as its official travel partner. Opening its gates on November 16th at 12 noon, the market is expected to attract over a million visitors.
Belfast Christmas Market Announces Dublin Express As Official Travel Partner
Belfast Christmas Market is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in style, with the announcement of Dublin Express as its official travel partner. Opening its gates on November 16th at 12 noon, the market is expected to attract over a million visitors.
13 November 2018
Sinn Fein: Common Travel Area Rights Must Be Protected - Brexit
As the UK hurtles towards its exit from the European Union, a Sinn Fein MEP has stressed the importance of preserving the Common Travel Area rights of citizens.
Sinn Fein: Common Travel Area Rights Must Be Protected - Brexit
As the UK hurtles towards its exit from the European Union, a Sinn Fein MEP has stressed the importance of preserving the Common Travel Area rights of citizens.
11 November 2020
'Travel Window' Issued To Allow Students To Get Home For Christmas
NI students at universities in England will be allowed to travel home once the current regional lockdown ends on 02 December.
'Travel Window' Issued To Allow Students To Get Home For Christmas
NI students at universities in England will be allowed to travel home once the current regional lockdown ends on 02 December.
23 July 2001
Eligibility for school travel passes to be extended
Regional Development Minister, Gregory Campbell, has taken action to ensure that schoolchildren will be entitled to travel at half-fare rate on public transport starting in September.
Eligibility for school travel passes to be extended
Regional Development Minister, Gregory Campbell, has taken action to ensure that schoolchildren will be entitled to travel at half-fare rate on public transport starting in September.
24 January 2019
Brexit: UUP Call On Irish Govt To Change Brexit Strategy
Ulster Unionist Party Leader Robin Swann has urged the Irish Government to change their tactics around Brexit and open a channel of direct engagement with MP's in Westminster. The UK is due to leave the European Union in a mere 64 days, with a withdrawal agreement not yet in place.
Brexit: UUP Call On Irish Govt To Change Brexit Strategy
Ulster Unionist Party Leader Robin Swann has urged the Irish Government to change their tactics around Brexit and open a channel of direct engagement with MP's in Westminster. The UK is due to leave the European Union in a mere 64 days, with a withdrawal agreement not yet in place.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
