The vote to leave the EU has shaken many securities that Irish citizens in Britain had taken for granted. In the lead up to the Brexit vote in June 2016, Anglo–Irish relations were at an all–time high. The Irish community in Britain enjoyed and contributed to strong community relations, a long way from the anti–Irish discrimination of the mid–20th century.
The fundamental rights of the Irish in Britain appear to be protected in Brexit scenarios. However, pro–Brexit tabloids are often critical of the Irish Government, political cooperation in Northern Ireland is stalled and many in the Irish community are again aware of the sense of ‘other’.
The half–day symposium, entitled Brexit through the Green: Interpretation, Identity and Irishness, will be held in north London on the afternoon of 13 July.
The event will take place between 13.00–17.30 on Saturday 13 July at Resource for London and will include presentations and a panel discussion.
Maurice Wren, CEO of the Refugee Council, will chair the discussion.
One of the invited speakers, Emma DeSouza, said: “What does it mean to be Irish in Britain post Brexit? This is a question that I’m delighted to be exploring at this important event on the impact of Brexit on Irish citizens across the country.”
While the majority of the Irish community voted in favour of remaining in the EU in 2016, there are a variety of opinions and a sizeable proportion did vote to leave. Irish in Britain does not advocate a stance on this issue, beyond voicing our support for maintaining the Good Friday Agreement, close Anglo–Irish cooperation and urging our community to exercise their franchise to ensure their voice is heard.
The guest speakers are:
- Vikki Barry Brown, doctoral researcher at Queen Mary University of London
- Pádraig Belton, journalist and writer based in Dublin and London
- Bill Corcoran, volunteer with the Tyneside Irish Cultural Society
- Emma DeSouza, immigration and citizens’ rights campaigner based in Belfast
- Yvonne MacNamara, CEO of the Traveller Movement
- Bernard Ryan, Professor of Migration Law at the University of Leicester
Brexit through the Green: Interpretation, Identity and Irishness
Saturday 13 July
1–5.30pm at Resource for London, 356 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA.
Tickets are available here for £10.
We are offering a limited number of free tickets to our member organisations and friends of Irish in Britain. If you are a member or friend, please email policy@irishinbritain.org