Northern Ireland Prime Minister resigns over Brexit deal

Northern Ireland Prime Minister Paul Givan has resigned out of dissatisfaction with the agreements made in the Brexit deal about Northern Ireland. British media announced his departure earlier Thursday.

Givan held the post of Prime Minister for less than a year on behalf of the pro-British Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). “Today marks the end of what has been the privilege of my life,” he said at a news conference about his departure. The British minister for Northern Ireland said he was disappointed by the decision.

Givan’s departure has major implications for the governance of Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. Sinn Féin Deputy Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill is automatically removed. The DUP and Sinn Féin are ideologically diametrically opposed. Sinn Féin wants referendums on the connection of British Northern Ireland to EU member state Ireland.

Controls

The DUP wants Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom and is annoyed by claims in the Brexit agreement. Northern Ireland was given a separate status after the British departure from the EU. The area is next to Ireland and that border should be kept open, according to all parties. To avoid customs controls, goods brought to Northern Ireland from the rest of the United Kingdom are checked.

The Northern Ireland agriculture minister had already announced on Wednesday evening that checks would be stopped. Givan’s party colleague invoked legal advice. This would have shown that Brexit measures should not have been introduced without the approval of the regional government.