Table of Contents
Does the United Kingdom claim Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland is a distinct legal jurisdiction, separate from the two other jurisdictions in the United Kingdom (England and Wales, and Scotland). Northern Ireland law developed from Irish law that existed before the partition of Ireland in 1921.
Is Great Britain the same as the United Kingdom?
Great Britain, therefore, is a geographic term referring to the island also known simply as Britain. United Kingdom, on the other hand, is purely a political term: it’s the independent country that encompasses all of Great Britain and the region now called Northern Ireland.
Why does Great Britain not include Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland has been a member of the United Kingdom since 1922, however, the Republic of Ireland is a sovereign state. The Republic of Ireland is not in Great Britain or the United Kingdom, so therefore refers to its own parliament, despite being a part of the British Isles.
When did Northern Ireland become part of the United Kingdom?
The Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973 also provided that Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom unless a majority voted otherwise in a referendum, while under the Ireland Act 1949 the consent of the Parliament of Northern Ireland was needed for a united Ireland.
What is the difference between the United Kingdom and Ireland?
So, in summary: The U.K. is a sovereign state that includes England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland; Great Britain (or simply Britain) is an island; Ireland is an island situated next to Great Britain, which is divided in two countries: The Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland.
What was the legal basis for the unification of Northern Ireland?
Legal basis. The Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973 also provided that Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom unless a majority voted otherwise in a referendum, while under the Ireland Act 1949 the consent of the Parliament of Northern Ireland was needed for a united Ireland.
What does the term United Kingdom mean?
The term United Kingdom of Great Britain, or U.K. makes reference to the sovereign state conformed by these previous three countries plus the country (sometimes described as region or province) of Northern Ireland.