What is the status of the Northern Ireland border issue and how has it been impacted by Brexit?

The Northern Ireland border issue is a complex and long-standing problem that has been greatly impacted by Brexit. The border between Northern Ireland (part of the UK) and the Republic of Ireland (an EU member state) has been a point of contention for decades due to the history of violence and political tensions in the region.

After the UK voted to leave the EU in 2016, the issue of how to maintain an open border while also leaving the EU's single market and customs union became a major challenge for negotiators. The solution that was eventually reached is known as the Northern Ireland Protocol, which creates a customs border in the Irish Sea, rather than on the island of Ireland. This means that Northern Ireland continues to follow many EU rules, and goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain are subject to checks and customs procedures.

However, the Northern Ireland Protocol has been controversial and has faced legal challenges, with some unionist politicians in Northern Ireland arguing that it undermines the region's position within the UK. There have also been issues with the implementation of the protocol, which has caused disruption to trade and led to tensions between the UK and the EU.