UK Govt to step up checks on Ireland & NI border in clampdown on illegal immigration as Minister O’Callaghan holds talks

THE British Government has said it will increase immigration checks across the Common Travel Area following Monday’s knife attack in Belfast.

Officials in Dublin have held talks with Stormont and Westminster after questions were raised about cross-border movement between Ireland and the UK.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said Irish authorities had questions to answer after it emerged the suspect in the Belfast attack had entered the island through the Republic in 2023.

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan reportedly held separate phone calls yesterday with Mr Benn and Northern Ireland Justice Minister Naomi Long.

Speaking to RTE, a spokesperson for Minister O’Callaghan said the talks focused on the need for strong cross-border cooperation.

They said: “At the UK Ireland Summit in March, it was agreed that further steps would be taken to ensure that the Common Travel Area remains secure by working together to expand immigration data sharing arrangements, particularly in preventing abuse of CTA free movement by those not entitled to its benefits.”

The Irish government has also said it will cooperate with any investigation into the background of the suspect.

However, the British government is now believed to be preparing to put more funding into immigration enforcement, including in Northern Ireland.

A source told RTE that there is expected to be an increase in intelligence-led operations over the next three years.

The source said these would include operations along Common Travel Area routes to detect and arrest illegal immigrants.

It comes as pressure mounts from a number of party leaders.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson criticised the island as having an “open, porous border” during a House of Commons debate this week.

And the issue has also been raised in the Dail ahead of the EU Migration Pact, which is set to come into effect this Friday.

Aontu leader Peadar Toibin called for an Irish Sea border, claiming there is a “swinging backdoor” between Ireland and Britain.

He said: “We have a swinging backdoor open between the two countries, which means we can’t manage migration.

“Events this week highlight how checks are needed to end the confusion and chaos.

“The proposed process will not affect the Common Travel Area as Irish and British citizens will still be able to move with passports and drivers’ licences.

“People with the required visas will also be able to move.

“But those applying for asylum on either island will have to do so when they land on each island.”

Sinn Fein’s Justice Spokesperson Matt Carthy also criticised the EU Migration Pact last week, saying it “doesn’t take into account the fact Ireland is divided”.