The Belfast-Good Friday Agreement, Brexit, and Rights

Abstract

This paper considers the relationship between the Belfast-Good Friday Agreement, which underpins the peace settlement in Northern Ireland, and Brexit. In particular, the paper examines the implications of Brexit for rights under the Belfast-Good Friday Agreement. The paper details the problems Brexit poses for rights in Northern Ireland, and the contrasting positions adopted in the Article 50 negotiations by the EU-27 and the UK. Finally, the paper considers the UK Withdrawal Bill, and the effects of the Bill on the devolution arrangements in Northern Ireland.

Keywords: Brexit, Northern Ireland, Article 50 TEU, devolution, Withdrawal Bill, human rights, equality