The UK Government will “step up” immigration checks along routes between Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland following this week’s anti-migrant riots in Belfast, Anadolu Agency reported on 11 June. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn told Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan that extra resources are being deployed to safeguard the Common Travel Area without re-introducing fixed checkpoints. Intelligence-led teams will target buses, trains and ferries, backed by a £3.7 billion Home Office enforcement budget through 2029. The move responds to a knife attack in North Belfast allegedly perpetrated by Sudanese national Hadi Alodid, who had entered Northern Ireland via Dublin after travelling through Paris. The incident sparked two nights of rioting and renewed political pressure in London to curb irregular migration via the island of Ireland. For companies operating all-island supply chains, the prospect of ad-hoc stops raises logistical questions. Hauliers moving goods under the Windsor Framework fear delays if drivers are asked for proof of residence; passenger carriers anticipate longer dwell times at Belfast International and Dublin Port ferry terminals. The Home Office insists disruption will be minimal and that British and Irish citizens will retain free movement rights. Irish officials privately welcome the additional UK resources, noting that joint CTA operations have been uneven since Brexit. They caution, however, that any perception of a “hard” border could inflame community tensions and complicate the Government’s strategy of attracting talent to the north-west cross-border tech corridor. cite turn6view0
Source: Anadolu Agency
