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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)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
