Brexit, the United Kingdom`s decision to leave the European Union, has been a topic of controversy and concern ever since the referendum in 2016. One of the most significant consequences of Brexit is its potential threat to the Good Friday Agreement, which helped bring peace to Northern Ireland after years of violence.
The Good Friday Agreement is a peace deal signed in 1998 between the UK government and political parties in Northern Ireland, including Sinn Féin and the DUP. The agreement brought an end to decades of violence and civil unrest, known as “The Troubles,” which claimed thousands of lives and left countless people injured and traumatized.
The agreement established a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland, where nationalists and unionists, who have historically been at odds, would share power. It also created a cross-border council between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which helped to ease tensions between the two countries.
Brexit, however, threatens to undermine the Good Friday Agreement in several ways. One significant issue is the border between Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland, which is part of the EU.
Before the UK joined the EU, the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland was heavily militarized, and it was a frequent site of conflict during The Troubles. However, since both countries became part of the EU, the border has been virtually invisible. People and goods can move freely across the border without any restrictions.
Brexit, however, could change that. If the UK decides to leave the EU without a deal, there could be a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which could hurt the peace process in Northern Ireland. A hard border could spark renewed tensions between nationalists and unionists in Northern Ireland, which could lead to violence and civil unrest.
Moreover, Brexit could resurrect the issue of unification and independence for Northern Ireland. Sinn Féin, the nationalist party in Northern Ireland, has long advocated for Irish unity. If Brexit results in a hard border, it could give Sinn Féin and other nationalist groups an opportunity to push for a referendum on Irish unity.
The DUP, the unionist party, however, strongly opposes Irish unity and has threatened to withdraw support for the power-sharing government if a referendum on Irish unity is called. A collapse of the power-sharing government could lead to a return to direct-rule by the UK government in Northern Ireland, which could further erode the Good Friday Agreement.
In conclusion, Brexit threatens to undo years of progress made by the Good Friday Agreement and put the peace process in Northern Ireland at risk. The UK government needs to find a way to leave the EU without jeopardizing the Good Friday Agreement and ensure that the peace process in Northern Ireland is protected for future generations.