12/01/2022
UK And Irish Govt Urged To Write Common Travel Area Into Law
The SDLP have called on the UK and Irish government's to write into law the Common Travel Area (CTA), to protect the agreement in both countries.
Currently the CTA is an inter-governmental agreement, but not part of internal UK law.
The Executive Office Committee chair Sinead McLaughlin said: "The British government can no longer be trusted when it comes to international agreements – we have seen that most clearly with its disregard for its commitments under the Northern Ireland Protocol. It has walked away from the very commitments it entered into with its eyes wide open.
"We are now seeing in the Borders and Nationality Bill serious threats to the rights of people born here and to those who have obtained Settled Status, who were told they could continue to live here. Yet the Bill proposes that the Government will be able to bar a person from the UK if they have a right to another nationality. That would potentially apply to the vast majority of people born in the North of Ireland.
"Given these uncertainties, it makes sense for the British government in particular, but also the Irish government, to put the Common Travel Area into their internal legislation. As chair of the Assembly’s The Executive Office committee I have written to the two governments requesting this, with the support of the committee at its last meeting in December."
Currently the CTA is an inter-governmental agreement, but not part of internal UK law.
The Executive Office Committee chair Sinead McLaughlin said: "The British government can no longer be trusted when it comes to international agreements – we have seen that most clearly with its disregard for its commitments under the Northern Ireland Protocol. It has walked away from the very commitments it entered into with its eyes wide open.
"We are now seeing in the Borders and Nationality Bill serious threats to the rights of people born here and to those who have obtained Settled Status, who were told they could continue to live here. Yet the Bill proposes that the Government will be able to bar a person from the UK if they have a right to another nationality. That would potentially apply to the vast majority of people born in the North of Ireland.
"Given these uncertainties, it makes sense for the British government in particular, but also the Irish government, to put the Common Travel Area into their internal legislation. As chair of the Assembly’s The Executive Office committee I have written to the two governments requesting this, with the support of the committee at its last meeting in December."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 February 2024
Irish Govt Commits To Invest €800m In Northern Ireland
The announcement of an €800 million (£685m) investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish Government has been welcomed as a "significant contribution" by Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
Irish Govt Commits To Invest €800m In Northern Ireland
The announcement of an €800 million (£685m) investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish Government has been welcomed as a "significant contribution" by Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
26 March 2024
New Manifesto To Transform NI's Credit Union Network
The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) has launched a new policy manifesto to support the Northern Ireland Assembly in bringing about essential changes and recognising the essential role of credit unions within communities and the wider economy.
New Manifesto To Transform NI's Credit Union Network
The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) has launched a new policy manifesto to support the Northern Ireland Assembly in bringing about essential changes and recognising the essential role of credit unions within communities and the wider economy.
13 November 2018
Sinn Fein: Common Travel Area Rights Must Be Protected - Brexit
As the UK hurtles towards its exit from the European Union, a Sinn Fein MEP has stressed the importance of preserving the Common Travel Area rights of citizens.
Sinn Fein: Common Travel Area Rights Must Be Protected - Brexit
As the UK hurtles towards its exit from the European Union, a Sinn Fein MEP has stressed the importance of preserving the Common Travel Area rights of citizens.
21 March 2024
Those Eligible Urged To Get MMR Vaccine Ahead Of Easter Travel
All those eligible for the MMR vaccine have been urged to get vaccinated ahead of any Easter travel plans.
Those Eligible Urged To Get MMR Vaccine Ahead Of Easter Travel
All those eligible for the MMR vaccine have been urged to get vaccinated ahead of any Easter travel plans.
17 January 2017
Common Travel Area Between UK And RoI Among PM's Brexit Priorities
Prime Minister Theresa May has said keeping the common travel area between the UK and Republic of Ireland (RoI) will be a priority in EU divorce talks. Mrs May set out the 12 negotiating priorities for Brexit as part of the Plan for Britain after leaving the EU.
Common Travel Area Between UK And RoI Among PM's Brexit Priorities
Prime Minister Theresa May has said keeping the common travel area between the UK and Republic of Ireland (RoI) will be a priority in EU divorce talks. Mrs May set out the 12 negotiating priorities for Brexit as part of the Plan for Britain after leaving the EU.