Pros and Cons of a Hard Border Between Ireland and Northern Ireland

With the ongoing discussions surrounding the future of the United Kingdom and the European Union, the concept of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland has become a contentious issue. This article explores the potential pros and cons of such a border, emphasizing the geopolitical, economic, and social implications.

Introduction

Ireland, as a united island without a visible border, has a unique situation where road signs change from kilometers to miles, and law enforcement changes from Gardaí in the Republic of Ireland to the Police Service of Northern Ireland. In the digital age of online purchasing and the gig economy, it's surprising that more people in the border region do not share their work hours to benefit from double tax allowances. However, there are clear cons and very few pros to consider.

The Lack of Pros

The most striking con of a hard border is the complexity it adds to daily life, particularly for those whose properties straddle the border. Additionally, the border route winds through difficult terrains such as mountains and bogs, making it challenging to police effectively and an easy route for smugglers.

Pros and Cons: A Simplified Equation

The question of whether there are pros of a hard border is ultimately a moot point. The Belfast Agreement, signed by the EU, UK, and the US, guarantees that a hard border will never exist on the island of Ireland. Breaching this agreement would likely lead to the resurgence of guerilla warfare, potentially in England rather than in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Protocol is the practical implementation of this guarantee.

Cons of a Hard Border

The establishment of a hard border would significantly disrupt the peace process in Ireland, making it fragile and potentially leading to a renewed conflict, often referred to as the "troubles." Moreover, if there are substantial tax differences on either side of the border, smuggling could intensify, potentially funding para-military groups. These factors are particularly concerning for North-South bodies established by the Good Friday Agreement, such as Waterways Ireland.

Impact on the Northern Ireland Economy

The Northern Ireland economy would face significant challenges if a hard border were implemented. Existing growth opportunities from trade with the Republic of Ireland and the reopening of North-South rail lines could be hampered, leading to restrictions and economic downturns.

Pros of Border Control

On the flip side, border controls would allow both the UK and the EU to implement necessary customs and immigration policies. These controls are crucial for the UK to achieve its goals of an independent trading policy and immigration policy. However, implementing comprehensive border controls would be logistically complex and costly. There are approximately 310 miles of the Irish border with 208 crossing points, more than the combined EU-Russia, EU-Belarus, and EU-Ukraine borders. Each crossing would require customs and immigration facilities, and closing any crossing would be met with significant opposition.

Disruption and Security Risks

With around 6000 daily lorry crossings, each vehicle would need to be stopped and checked for customs paperwork, leading to potential delays and disruptions. Local installations could become targets for paramilitary attacks, as confirmed by the former Northern Ireland police chief, Sir Hugh Order. Furthermore, local people might simply choose to ignore the crossing points, leading to unauthorised crossing and smuggling.

Impact on Geopolitical and Social Relations

Border controls would re-introduce the political damaging partition of Ireland, a concept that the Irish nationalist community strongly opposes. Notably, the areas bordering the border voted to remain in the EU in the June 2016 EU referendum, indicating their preference for an open and invisible border. The Good Friday Agreement, the EU single market, and the EU customs union all support the idea of a borderless movement, allowing people to identify as either British, Irish, or both, with all the associated geopolitical, economic, social, and international benefits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the idea of a hard border might seem like a potential solution to some, the cons far outweigh the pros. The continued guarantee of an open and invisible border, as stipulated by the Belfast Agreement, is crucial for maintaining peace, economic stability, and strong social relations in the region. The implementation of comprehensive border controls would bring about significant logistical, political, and economic challenges without providing any significant benefits.