The Briefing Room

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David Aaronovitch presents in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news

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The Briefing Room: Northern Ireland: how fragile is the peace process?

15/04/2021

Northern Ireland: how fragile is the peace process?

BBC Radio 4 - The Briefing Room, Northern Ireland: how fragile is the peace process?

Violence in Northern Ireland: has it exposed the fragility of the peace process?

Water cannons, petrol bombs and a hijacked bus: has violence in Northern Ireland exposed the fragility of the peace process?

There’s been violence on the streets of Northern Ireland in recent days, most of it in Protestant areas. On occasion it spilled over the sectarian divide. 

The proximate cause appears to be twofold: the refusal of the Northern Ireland prosecution service to bring charges against Sinn Fein members who apparently broke lockdown rules to attend a funeral last summer; and the Northern Ireland Protocol, which under the Brexit deal, means that checks apply to goods travelling from Britain to Northern Ireland. 

There are other, longer term grievances, in particular a perception that the Good Friday Agreement privileged the Catholic community at the expense of Protestants. 

Many fingers are now pointing at  Westminster where the British government is accused of inactivity and indifference. More protests have been promised. 

So, how fragile is the peace process?

Producers: Tim Mansel, Kirsteen Knight, Paul Moss
Editor: Jasper Corbett

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Northern Ireland: how fragile is the peace process?

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