Write a commentOn a recent trip to London, South Down MP Chris Hazzard has raised concerns directly with members of the British House of Lords regarding the British government’s Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Bill.
The Bill currently making its way through Westminster includes powers to stop, search and detain any person within a mile of the border and also in Newry Train Station as the first place at which a train travelling from the south would allow passengers to disembark in the north.
Speaking after the meeting the Mr Hazzard commented “From a human rights perspective there are a number of serious objections to this bill - and specifically relating to the north of Ireland. There is also no doubt that this piece of legislation clearly illustrates that the British government is preparing to impose a hard border in Ireland.
“This British government has no interest or concern for the political, social and economic consequences of a hard border. This piece of legislation is a clear attack on the Good Friday Agreement and if passed into law would undoubtedly create a chilling effect in border communities.
“This bill represents further draconian legislation by the British government and totally disregards the fact that the people of the North of Ireland rejected both a hard border and Brexit.”
