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Northern Ireland backstop plan

British history

Quick Summary

The Northern Ireland backstop plan was a proposed arrangement to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit). This plan aimed to maintain the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement by ensuring an open border.1

Under the backstop, a legally binding customs arrangement between the EU and Northern Ireland would be implemented if a long-term agreement between the UK and the EU could not be reached by December 2020. Opponents worried this could create regulatory barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, effectively establishing a customs border in the Irish Sea.12

The backstop plan was a significant point of contention during the Brexit negotiations, contributing to political opposition and ultimately impacting Prime Minister Theresa May's leadership.12

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