The European Union, Brexit and the Churches

BREXIT IS by no means a done deal, despite what its supporters may wish to be the case, and surely the corona virus has put paid to any such prospect, for if ever the continent of Europe needed stability and international co-operation, that time is now. Negotiations on the terms of the future relationship between EU and UK have commenced and have yet to be agreed, in particular where trade is concerned, though it seems that to some extent consensus has been achieved on the rights of UK citizens in the EU and vice-versa and in the matter of the UK’s parting financial obligation.

Should these negotiations break down, or the terms offered be deemed unacceptable by either side, many people will suffer, not least in Northern Ireland where a high proportion of church members live, and which has been identified as a part of the UK most likely to be seriously impacted by Brexit.

* Full article available in printed copies.

Kenneth Milne

is a member of the Working Group on Europe of the C of I’s Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue and has served as Convenor of the Irish Council of Churches’ European Affairs Committee.