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Border Security: UK-Ireland Co-operation
23 June 2026
Lead MP
Carla Lockhart
Responding Minister
Mike Tapp
Tags
Migrants & BordersNorthern IrelandBrexit
Word Count: 3636
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Carla Lockhart raised concerns about border security: uk-ireland co-operation in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The speaker asks the Minister to outline steps for rapid removal of those without right to be here and joint action to prevent violent offenders from exploiting jurisdictional differences. They also request a review of CTA safeguards and better checks in Northern Ireland, as well as plans to restore public trust in the UK's immigration system.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Ten years after the Brexit referendum, the speaker is concerned about the failure of post-Brexit settlements to protect Northern Ireland's border security. Since 2020, only one asylum seeker has been returned to the Republic of Ireland while illegal entrants exploit the border daily. The speaker highlights a case where an attacker came illegally from Sudan via Dublin and entered Belfast with minimal vetting, demonstrating the vulnerability of the UK-Ireland land border. They also note that more than 900 individuals have been detected abusing common travel area routes in the past year alone, with Northern Ireland serving as a soft point of access into the United Kingdom.
Alex Easton advocated for enhanced real-time intelligence and data sharing between UK and Irish Governments, stressing the importance of tightening legal frameworks to prevent crime and illegal activities at the border. He also noted that there is no accurate count of people crossing into the UK via Northern Ireland.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Mr. Robinson criticised the Home Office for not providing information on immigration from the Republic of Ireland, citing cases where individuals were removed from Northern Ireland and returned to Dublin only to re-enter through Ulsterbus.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Gregory Campbell sought figures on electronic travel authorisations but was repeatedly denied. He stressed the need to know numbers of people entering legally for tourism and other reasons, highlighting an information gap.
Jim Allister questioned the Secretary of State's interpretation of the Common Travel Area, arguing it applies only to those legally in the country. He criticized Government policies that provide free accommodation and financial support for asylum seekers, which he believes encourages illegal immigration.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Committed to securing the debate, Jim Shannon highlighted that his party has been raising concerns about a 'back-door approach' for years. He acknowledged public protests and urged the Government to take immediate action.
Stephen Kerr
SNP
Ochil and South Perthshire
The hon. Member is right that the first duty of Government is to protect its citizens, but they argue that the current border situation has failed in this regard.
Government Response
Mike Tapp
Government Response
Acknowledged the importance of UK-Ireland co-operation for border security and highlighted the Common Travel Area's role. Stated that nearly 70,000 individuals have been removed since March 2023 with a £3 billion investment in immigration enforcement over three years. Emphasised action to address pull factors and reduce illegal migration, noting significant increases in foreign national offender removals and asylum processing improvements.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.