Research Briefing
Leaving the European Union: The UK and Ireland
For the UK, the decision to leave the EU could have a significant impact, particularly on its relationship with Ireland. This includes on peace and security, which encompasses the peace process following the 30-year conflict in Northern Ireland, known as ‘the Troubles’, border controls and the Common Travel Area; and trade, particularly the bilateral trade relationship between UK and Ireland. This briefing examines the implications of the UK’s decision to leave the EU on its relationship with Ireland, particularly, in regards to peace, security and trade. In addition to covering the aforementioned issues in closer detail, this briefing also examines the current situation in both the UK and Ireland, and discusses the potential implications of the UK leaving the EU, drawing upon commentary from UK and Irish heads of governments, political parties, think tanks and organisations.