London and Dublin are set to share data to stop migrants using Irish border to get into Britain.
Britain wants to move their frontline of immigration controls to Ireland’s ports and airports in order to establish a “hard border” between north and south following UK’s decision to leave the European Union.
According to The Guardian, Northern Ireland secretary, James Brokenshire, has said that London and Dublin will work to strengthen Ireland’s external borders to prevent anyone wishing to gain access to the UK illegally.
He said, “We have put in place a range of measures to further combat illegal migration working closely with the Irish government. Our focus is to strengthen the external border of the common travel area [CTA], building on the strong collaboration with our Irish partners.”
Ever since Britain voted to leave the EU there has been widespread concern in Ireland that border control would come into affect between north and south. If this were to happen it would be a direct violation of the Good Friday Agreement. James reckons that if British border control was implemented at Dublin Port and Rosslare port then this would not be necessary.
He added, “We are already working closely with the Irish government and other members of the common travel area to prevent people from seeking to evade UK immigration controls from entering via another part of the CTA. There is a high level of collaboration on a joint programme of work.
“This includes investment in border procedures; increased data sharing to inform immigration and border security decisions; passenger data systems enabling the collection and processing of advance passenger information; and harmonised visa processes.”
The Irish government has confirmed it is in negotiations with Britain to share intelligence to tighten immigration controls for people from outside Britain and Ireland.
Charles Flanagan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, has said, “In terms of the threat of illegal immigration through the border, the sharing of information is vital, as is the sharing of systems and the use of digital technology. These are means by which we can ensure that any adverse impact is minimised. The object of our engagement is to maintain the common travel area.”
