Tonigh at a Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) rally in Coleraine, Jim Allister delivered a compelling speech on the pressing issue of immigration control, coinciding with the launch of the party’s East Londonderry Assembly candidate, Allister Kyle. The speech came in the wake of alarming events earlier in the week, bringing the topic of border control sharply into focus.
Allister’s address centred on the urgent need for the UK to enforce its own immigration laws rather than relying on Dublin. He referenced a recent incident in Belfast involving an individual who had entered Northern Ireland via a bus from Dublin, underscoring the security risks posed by the open border with the Republic of Ireland.
He criticised suggestions for a “British Isles solution” to immigration, arguing that such ideas obscure the fundamental purpose of the Common Travel Area, which was never intended to facilitate the movement of illegal migrants. The area, he asserted, was designed to ease travel for those lawfully residing within the British Isles.
Allister spoke of the importance of the UK taking responsibility for its own immigration controls, pointing out the distinct immigration policies pursued by the Irish Government. He argued that the UK must protect its borders independently rather than aligning its policies with another sovereign state.
He proposed targeted UK immigration checks to identify and remove those who have entered the country illegally via the Republic of Ireland. This, he suggested, would prevent Northern Ireland from being used as an entry point to circumvent UK immigration laws.
Allister warned of potential repercussions if Westminster fails to enforce immigration laws effectively. He cautioned that continued inaction might lead to demands for checks between Great Britain and the island of Ireland, ultimately resulting in a so-called people border in the Irish Sea.
In closing, Allister called for a cohesive UK strategy to protect national borders, emphasising that responsibility should not be outsourced to Dublin. His speech left the audience with a clear message: safeguarding the integrity of the UK’s borders must remain the top priority.
