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Written question asked by Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru) on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 4 September 2026. It was answered by Jo White (Labour) on Friday, 11 September 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.


Common Travel Area: Republic of Ireland

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact on the a) effectiveness and b) future of the Common Travel Area between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland of ferry operators requiring passengers travelling between both countries to hold valid passports.

Answer

No change has been made to the Government’s operation of the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangement. The CTA continues to afford British and Irish citizens the ability to move freely and reside in either jurisdiction and enjoy associated rights and privileges, including the right to work, study, etc.

We are committed to maintaining the CTA and preventing abuse of it.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26599
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Ferries Passports Republic of Ireland Common travel area
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk