Implementing Brexit: the Northern Ireland protocol

The UK’s decision to leave the EU posed unique challenges for Northern Ireland. As the only part of the country to have a land border with a remaining member state and with a troubled history of violent conflict, changes to the UK–EU relationship would present particular problems for Northern Ireland.

This report looks at the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol. It outlines what it says, how it might work and the challenges of ensuring it is operational before the end of the transition period.

It also looks at the long-term consequences of applying future EU law in Northern Ireland and for politics and policy making in the whole of the UK.