The Good Friday Agreement and its implications for Brexit have been hotly debated since the UK`s vote to leave the European Union in 2016. So, what exactly is the Good Friday Agreement and how does it relate to Brexit?

The Good Friday Agreement, also known as the Belfast Agreement, was signed in 1998 and brought an end to decades of sectarian violence and conflict in Northern Ireland between Catholics and Protestants. The agreement established a power-sharing government between the two groups and paved the way for disarmament of paramilitary groups.

One of the key provisions of the Good Friday Agreement is the recognition of Northern Ireland as part of the UK. However, the agreement also allows for the possibility of a united Ireland in the future if the majority of people in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland agree to it.

Brexit has created a new challenge for the Good Friday Agreement. The UK`s decision to leave the EU means that a hard border could be created between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which could endanger the peace that has been established under the Good Friday Agreement.

To address this issue, a backstop was included in the withdrawal agreement negotiated between the UK and EU. The backstop is designed to prevent a hard border by keeping Northern Ireland in the EU’s single market and customs union, effectively creating a regulatory and customs border in the Irish Sea.

However, the backstop has been a major point of contention, with some in the UK arguing that it would create a border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, undermining the integrity of the UK. Others argue that without a backstop, a hard border in Ireland could reignite violence and instability.

The Good Friday Agreement remains a crucial piece of the peace process in Northern Ireland, and its preservation must be a priority in any Brexit negotiations. As the UK and EU continue to negotiate their future relationship, it is important to keep in mind the delicate balance that has been established in Northern Ireland and ensure that it is not jeopardized.