Blog: Northern Ireland must come first, no matter what else is in the Brexit deal

In a matter of weeks, the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union is set to change. For Unison, the impact this will have on Northern Ireland has always been paramount. Yet too many people – including politicians who should know better – continue to reduce the impact Brexit will have on Northern Ireland to a conversation only about the movement of goods across the border. The reality is far more grave and complex. Brexit is an issue that seriously affects the peace process and will interfere in the day-to-day lives of ordinary people, North and South. Unison has always offered unwavering support for the peace process, campaigning for the Good Friday Agreement and leading calls for genuine power-sharing government ever since. Yet as things stand, that international agreement – of which the British government is a guarantor – is under threat. Brexit has already been a significant factor in the collapse of Stormont and the failure to get it back up and running again. This has had a huge impact on Northern Ireland as a whole, and public services in particular. At the same time, equality of citizenship – a right to choose British, Irish or both forms of citizenship on an equal basis, guaranteed by the Good Friday Agreement – is also threatened by Brexit. Parity of esteem, or equal treatment was promised irrespective of the identity chosen. Yet a no-deal Brexit risks immediately creating borders between different forms of citizenship that the Good Friday...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: General secretary's blog News BREXIT Northern Ireland Source Type: news