UK Affairs

Can a new statecraft save the UK’s dysfunctional Union?

This paper by Paul Gillespie aims to examine the state of the UK government in 2023, how it has progressed to this point regarding conservative statecraft, and possibilities for the future in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

UK Trade: Background and Future under the TCA and the Windsor Framework

This paper by Blair Horan, member of the IIEA’s UK expert group, examines the background and future of post-Brexit UK trade.

The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill

UK-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement: An Agri-food Sector Perspective

Con Lucey examines the UK-New Zealand free trade agreement and its implications for the agri-food sector in the UK and Ireland.

The Trade and Investment Advantages of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland

This paper argues that Northern Ireland stands to benefit significantly from the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. By participating in the EU Single Market and the UK Customs Union, it has “the best of both worlds”.

UK-Australia Free Trade Negotiations: An Agri-food Sector Perspective

This brief analysis examines the main potential implications for the UK beef and lamb sectors.

Reflections on Ireland, Europe and the ‘Northern Ireland Problem’

Lisa Claire Whitten is the winner of the inaugural Brendan Halligan Emerging Scholar award, for her essay on the topic of ‘Reflections on Ireland and Europe’.

Seeds and Saplings: The Paths to the Good Friday Agreement

Implications of Brexit and COVID19 for Ireland’s Key Transport Sectors

This paper discusses the implications of Brexit and COVID-19 on Ireland's transport sector.

Brexit and the Implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland

On 8 September 2020, in the House of Commons, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, announced that the UK Government intended to disapply key provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement, breaking International law in the process.

UK Agriculture and Food Policy Post Brexit: An Irish Perspective

The UK’s post-Brexit agriculture and food policy is a matter of considerable interest to the EU27, which supplies about 70% of UK food imports.

Brexit: The State of Play

The latest round of EU-UK negotiations took place in London, between Tuesday, 8 September and Thursday, 10 September 2020, and while the two sides noted ‘useful exchanges’, there was limited progress noted on the most difficult issues for the talks. Ultimately, the negotiations themselves were heavily overshadowed by the introduction of the UK Government’s Internal Market Bill on Wednesday, 9 September 2020.

Brexit Status Report: 2016-2019 and Beyond

Since 2017, the IIEA’s Brexit Status Reports have provided clear and comprehensive updates on where we are in the Brexit process and what might happen next.

Emerging UK Agriculture and Food Policy Post-Brexit and its Potential Implications

In this paper, Con Lucey examines the emerging post-Brexit food and agriculture policy in three areas: direct payments, external trade, and regulation. It also discusses the future viability of the UK food market for Irish exports in the context of a no-deal Brexit.

The Elephant in the Room: The Free Movement of Services and Brexit

In the Brexit debate, there has been relatively little focus on the issue of services, which make up about three quarters of the UK’s economic output. How might Brexit impact on this vitally important, and growing, sector? This IIEA paper, by Gavin Barrett, Professor of Law at the Sutherland School of Law, University College Dublin, aims to address this question, and to focus attention on an issue that is, and will continue to be, of key importance in the years and decades after Brexit has taken place.

Brexit: The State of Play | 20 Dec 2018

Brexit and the Distribution Sector

This is the third in a series of IIEA reports looking at the impact Brexit will have on a range of important sectors for Ireland and the all-island economy.

Brexit and Electricity Cooperation between Northern Ireland and Ireland

This paper is the second in the IIEA’s series of reports on the sectoral implications of Brexit.

Future UK-EU Trade Arrangements: Implications for Ireland’s Agri-food Sector

This is the first in a series of IIEA reports looking at the impact Brexit will have on a range of important sectors for Ireland and the all-island economy.

Europe’s Problem with England

Gender and Voting Behaviour in the Lead Up to the UK General Election 2024

In this presentation, Anna Sanders explores the key issues in the run-up to the 2024 UK General Election, and their implications for gender differences in voting behaviour.

Building Common Ground, Reconciling Relations: Belfast, Dublin, London

In collaboration with the John and Pat Hume Foundation, the IIEA is delighted to co-host the next discussion in the Building Common Ground series, entitled: Reconciling Relations: Belfast, Dublin, London

What Happens When Enforcement Doesn’t Happen

What Went Wrong with Brexit – And What We Can Do About It

Achieving Reconciliation through a New Ireland

In her address, SDLP MP Claire Hanna will reflect on the prospects of achieving reconciliation through a New Ireland.

The EU’s Response to Brexit

Three leading Irish voices on the EU to a panel discussion on Prof Brigid Laffan's recent book 'The EU's Response to Brexit'.

Human Rights After Brexit

A keynote address by Conor Gearty, Professor of Human Rights at the LSE on the subject of Human Rights After Brexit

The Future of Northern Ireland Politics: The Alliance Party Perspective

Naomi Long MLA, leader of the Alliance Party, will outline her vision of the future of Northern Irish politics.

The Long Game: How Sinn Féin went from Political Outsider to a Party of Government

Aoife Moore, an award-winning journalist from Derry, will discuss her new book, The Long Game: Inside Sinn Féin, and the impact Sinn Féin could have on Ireland and Northern Ireland as a party of government.

Making Sense of a United Ireland

Professor Brendan O’Leary, a global expert on the politics of divided places, is the author of Making Sense of a United Ireland which analyses key issues surrounding Irish unity.

Where Next for the UK as an International Economy?

Inside the Deal: The Brussels View on Brexit

Stefaan de Rynck’s new book, Inside the Deal: How the EU Got Brexit Done details the Brussels perspective on the EU’s Brexit Negotiations with successive UK Governments, giving readers a unique insight into the negotiating room.

GFA25 and the Island of Ireland

A conference organised and hosted by UCC, and supported by the IIEA, to mark 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement and acknowledge its importance for the whole island of Ireland.

Scotland’s Constitutional Future: Implications for Ireland and Northern Ireland

This panel discussion explores the links between Northern Ireland and Scotland in the context of the UK’s constitutional future.

Red Lane, Green Lane, Other: Implications of the Windsor Framework

The Windsor Framework is the proposed new agreement between the UK Government and the European Commission to facilitate trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

A New Way Forward? Implications of the Windsor Framework

The Future of the Northern Ireland Protocol

A webinar presentation on the future of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

A Fresh Start for EU-UK Relations?

Tony Connelly, Europe Editor for RTÉ News will discuss whether the election of Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister will herald a fresh start for EU-UK relations.

France and Ireland: New Borders, New Futures

The panel will address the current state of relations between Ireland and the Normandy Region of France, following the UK’s departure from the EU.

Reflections on the Future of Anglo-Irish Relations

Bertie Ahern, former Taoiseach of Ireland, considers the future of Anglo-Irish Relations.

Standing at the Crossroads? Northern Ireland after the Assembly Elections

Sam McBride discusses the election results and what future they might herald for Northern Ireland.

The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland: The DUP Perspective

The UK’s Global Trading Priorities after Brexit

Implementing the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland: The Alliance Party Perspective

Naomi Long discusses the Alliance Party’s vision for implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland as well as the challenges and opportunities ahead in Northern Ireland in a post-Brexit world.

The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland: The SDLP perspective

Matthew O’Toole discusses the SDLP’s vision for implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland as well as the challenges and opportunities ahead in Northern Ireland in a post-Brexit world.

Agriculture on the Island of Ireland after Brexit

IFA President Tim Cullinan and UFU Deputy President David Brown discuss the challenges and opportunities for the agri-food sector in Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit.

The Implementation of the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland

Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič discusses the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland as well as the challenges and opportunities ahead in EU-UK relations post-Brexit.

Ireland and Wales: A New Era in an Age-Old Relationship

First Minister Mark Drakeford will share his vision for Ireland-Wales relations in the context of the Ireland-Wales Shared Statement and Joint Action Plan as well as Brexit

Webinar: The Future for Northern Ireland and Relations on These Islands

Tommie Gorman will reflect on the peace process, North-South relations, British-Irish relations, the tenability of the Protocol and the prospect of a united Ireland in the current context.

The Future of Anglo-Irish Relations

Marking the IIEA’s 30th Anniversary, we are delighted to host a panel discussion exploring the future of Anglo-Irish relations, north-south and east-west.

Peace in Ireland: Reflections on the Past and Future

To mark the IIEA’s 30th Anniversary, the IIEA is delighted to welcome Bertie Ahern, former Taoiseach, and Tony Blair, former UK Prime Minister, for an in-conversation session on Northern Ireland and Anglo-Irish relations.

WEBINAR: Global Britain in a Competitive Age: A Vision for the UK

Minister Morton discusses the UK Integrated Review of security, defence, development and foreign policy.

WEBINAR: Britain Alone: The Path from Suez to Brexit

Philip Stephens will offer his analysis on the role of a post-Brexit UK in the world.

WEBINAR: 2021: Ambitions and Challenges for Ireland in a Changing World

U.S. Support for the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and Peace and Prosperity on the Island of Ireland

‘Back to the future’: Resetting British-Irish relations in the post Brexit & COVID period

UK Update 170

The UK Update provides up-to-date information on UK-EU, and UK-Ireland relations, bringing together relevant statements and policy positions from key players in Ireland, the UK, and the EU.

UK Update 169

The UK Update provides up-to-date information on UK-EU, and UK-Ireland relations, bringing together relevant statements and policy positions from key players in Ireland, the UK, and the EU.

UK Update 168

The UK Update provides up-to-date information on UK-EU, and UK-Ireland relations, bringing together relevant statements and policy positions from key players in Ireland, the UK and the EU.

UK Update 167

The UK Update provides up-to-date information on UK-EU, and UK-Ireland relations, bringing together relevant statements and policy positions from key players in Ireland, the UK, and the EU.

UK Update 166

Brexit Brief 165

Brexit Brief 165 provides up-to-date information on the progress and content of the UK-EU negotiations and brings together relevant statements and policy positions from key players in Ireland, the UK and the EU.

A Brief Review of the Effectiveness of Economic Sanctions

While economic sanctions such as trade embargoes have a long history reaching back hundreds of years, their use has increased since World War II. Over recent decades sanctions seem to have become an increasing feature of foreign policy, but their effectiveness has been declining. This paper will outline the use of sanctions and their impacts on both sanctioning and sanctioned countries.

Brexit Brief 164

Brexit Brief 164 provides up-to-date information on the progress and content of the UK-EU negotiations and brings together relevant statements and policy positions from key players in Ireland, the UK and the EU.

Brexit Brief 163

Issue 163 of the Brexit Brief examines the state of play in the post-Brexit relations between the EU, UK and Ireland, and brings together relevant statements and policy positions from key players.

Brexit Brief 162

Issue 162 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the post-Brexit relationship between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 161

Brexit Brief 160

Issue 160 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the post-Brexit relationship between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 159

Issue 159 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play between the UK and the EU.

Brexit Brief 158

Issue 158 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play between the UK and the EU.

Brexit Brief 157

Edition 156 of the Brexit Brief covers the current state of play in UK-EU relations and Northern Irish politics.

Brexit Brief 156

Edition 156 of the Brexit Brief covers the current state of play in UK-EU relations and Northern Irish politics.

Brexit Brief 155

Issue 155 of the Brexit Brief assesses the current state of play between the UK and the EU

Brexit Brief 154

Issue 154 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play between the UK and the EU.

Brexit Brief 153

Issue 153 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play between the UK and the EU.

Brexit Brief 152

Issue 152 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play between the UK and the EU.

Brexit Brief 151

Issue 150 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play between the UK and the EU.

Brexit Brief Issue 150

Issue 150 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play between the UK and the EU.

Brexit Brief 149

Issue 149 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play between the UK and the EU.

Brexit Brief 148

Issue 148 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in relations between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 147

Issue 147 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in relations between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 146

Issue 146 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in relations between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 145

Issue 145 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in relations between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 144

Issue 144 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in relations between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 143

Issue 143 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in relations between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 142

Issue 142 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in relations between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 141

Issue 141 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in relations between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 140

Issue 140 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in relations between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 139

Issue 139 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in relations between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 138

Issue 138 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in relations between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 137

Issue 137 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in relations between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 136

Issue 136 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in relations between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 135

Issue 135 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in relations between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 134

Issue 134 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in relations between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 133

Issue 133 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in relations between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 132

Issue 132 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in relations between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Briefing 131

Brexit Brief 130

As the 24th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement came and went, the Northern Ireland Assembly election campaign continued, with a succession of party manifestos demonstrating a clear recognition that, in the main, voters’ concerns relate to day-to-day issues, notably the cost of living and the future of the NHS in Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, rallies against the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (the Protocol) have continued to take place in Northern Ireland, and concerns are growing that the British government may move to unilaterally impose changes on the agreement.

Brexit Brief 129

Issue 129 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

Brexit Brief 128

Issue 128 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

Brexit Brief 127

Issue 127 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

Brexit Brief 126

Issue 126 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

Brexit Brief 125

Issue 125 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

Brexit Brief 124

Issue 124 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

The Protocol: State of Play

Brexit Brief 123

Issue 123 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

Brexit Brief 122

Issue 122 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

Brexit Brief 121

Issue 121 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

Brexit Brief 120

Issue 120 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations

Brexit Brief 119

Issue 119 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

Brexit Brief 118

Issue 118 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

Brexit Brief 117

Issue 117 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

Brexit Brief 116

Issue 116 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

Brexit Brief 115

Issue 115 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

Brexit Brief 114

Issue 114 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

Brexit Brief 113

Issue 113 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

Brexit Brief 112

Issue 112 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

Brexit Brief 111

Issue 111 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

Brexit Brief 110

Issue 110 of the Brexit Brief assesses the latest developments in the new EU-UK relationship and notes the current state of play of Ireland-UK relations.

Brexit Brief 109

Issue 109 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 108

This edition of the Brexit Brief covers these developments, and brings together reaction from the UK, EU and Ireland.

Brexit Brief 107

Issue 107 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 106

Issue 106 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 105

Issue 105 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 104

Issue 104 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK.

Brexit Brief 103

Brexit Brief 103 notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 102

Brexit Brief 102 notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK.  

Brexit Brief 101

Brexit Brief 101 notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK.  

Brexit Brief 100

Issue 100 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK.  

Brexit Brief 99

Issue 99 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 98

Issue 98 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 97

Issue 97 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 96

Issue 96 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 95

Issue 95 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 94

Issue 94 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit: The State of Play

This State of Play note examines the contents of the Bill details the implications for relevant sections of the Protocol.

Brexit Brief 93

Issue 93 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 92A

Issue 92 A of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 92

Issue 92 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 91A

Issue 91A of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK

Brexit Brief 91

Issue 91 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK

Brexit Brief 90

Issue 90 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. 

The ‘level playing field’ and the future relationship between the UK and EU

This briefing will outline the opening positions of the two Parties as they currently stand and highlight areas of broad agreement and divergence, looking ahead to a negotiation of ambitious scale which will take place in a time of global change and uncertainty.

Brexit Brief 89

Issue 89 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK.

Brexit Brief 88

Issue 88 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 87

Issue 87 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. 

Brexit Brief 86

Issue 86 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship. 

Brexit Brief 85

Issue 85 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship. 

Brexit Brief 84

Issue 84 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations on the Future Relationship, the Brexit debate and collates relevant news from Ireland, the UK and the rest of the EU.

Brexit Brief 83

Issue 83 of the IIEA Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations and collates relevant news from Ireland, the UK, and the rest of the EU.

Brexit Brief 82

Issue 82 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the Brexit debate and collates relevant news from Ireland, the UK and the rest of the EU.

Brexit Brief 81

Issue 81 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the Brexit debate and collates relevant news from Ireland, the UK and the rest of the EU.

Brexit Brief 80

Issue 80 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the Brexit debate and collates relevant news from Ireland, the UK and the rest of the EU.

Brexit Brief 79

Issue 79 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the Brexit debate and collates relevant news from Ireland, the UK and the rest of the EU.

Brexit Brief 78

Issue 78 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the Brexit debate and collates relevant news from Ireland, the UK and the rest of the EU.

Brexit Brief 77

Issue 77 of the Brexit Brief notes the current state of play in the Brexit debate and collates relevant news from Ireland, the UK and the rest of the EU.

The Windsor Framework: A New Chapter

Rewrite or Resolve? The Future of the Protocol

The View from the Home Nations: Assessing the Scottish and Welsh Elections’ impact on East-West and EU-UK Relations

Brexit and the future of the United Kingdom

Brexit’s Implications for Fisheries

Beyond Brexit for Ireland’s Transport Sectors

Agriculture and Food Production: The Post-Brexit landscape

Implementing the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland

What’s in the deal?

A Brexit Deal that works for Business

Towards a Union of Equality: Evaluating the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025

France’s Recovery Plan: A two-fold Transition

How will Brexit impact Irish Freight Movements?

Vision or Reality – Macron’s European Renaissance

The Aachen Treaty: Regional Cooperation Writ Large?

A History of Brexit (in 1500 words)

The Latest Northern Ireland Ports Traffic Statistics and Brexit

The UK Supreme Court ruling: what does it mean for Brexit?

Proroguing the UK Parliament – what does it mean and what happens next?

Brexit: State of Play Update

Brexit and Northern Ireland