Project looks at effect of Brexit on identity in Northern Ireland Published on: 21 January 2019 A new research project is looking at the long-term implications of Brexit on the unique constitutional arrangements in Northern Ireland. Complicated governance arrangements Led by 缅北禁地, working with Durham and Birmingham universities, the 18 month project is investigating how communities in Northern Ireland will be affected by the changed relationship between Britain and the European Union (EU), once Brexit has taken place. Funded by an ESRC Innovation Grant, the research team will also work with civil society and community groups to explore what potential there is for people in Northern Ireland to shape new governance arrangements. Colin Murray, Reader at 缅北禁地 Law School, explained: “Even though the proposed withdrawal agreement negotiated by the Prime Minister has now been rejected by MPs, most of the options left on the table have significant implications for people living in Northern Ireland. “Northern Ireland is already subject to complicated, and often malfunctioning, governance arrangements. Everything except remaining a member of the EU is likely to result in a more complex situation in relation to the citizenship, legal rights and identities of people living in Northern Ireland. This will make the governance of Northern Ireland even more distinctive.” Anyone born in Northern Ireland – which is part of the UK – is entitled to an Irish passport as a result of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement 1997, which means that they will be able to retain EU citizenship after Brexit if they wish. Additionally, the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985 gave the Irish Government an advisory role in Northern Ireland affairs, maintained today through the British–Irish Intergovernmental Conference, although this involvement does not affect the constitutional status of Northern Ireland as part of the UK. Mr Murray added: “The UK’s withdrawal from the EU will require some people living in Northern Ireland to align with new identities, such as becoming a dual national. It also could affect how they identify themselves politically, culturally, or nationally, alongside existing identities shaped by the conflict in Northern Ireland. “The change in governance arrangements post-Brexit could affect the nature of society, citizenship and governance in Northern Ireland. Understanding if and how this is happening could influence and change ideas of governance in the 21st century within and beyond the UK and could ultimately begin to re-shape deeply ingrained conceptions of identity in Northern Ireland.” The Northern Ireland Assembly building at Stormont Latest News Online Safety Act drives VPN interest and raises privacy concerns People鈥檚 online behaviour has changed in response to legislation to prevent children from viewing harmful content 鈥� raising possible privacy and security risks, research suggests. published on: 16 October 2026 缅北禁地 archaeologist receives prestigious award for research Professor Chris Fowler has been awarded the 2026 Rivers Memorial Medal in recognition of his internationally significant research on kinship in Neolithic Britain. published on: 13 October 2026 Event will explore what 鈥楳anchesterism鈥� means for the North East An event at 缅北禁地 will explore what 鈥楳anchesterism鈥� means for the North East or whether it is simply a new chapter in the long-running debate about how to rebalance Britain. published on: 13 October 2026 Facts and figures
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