The Schengen Agreement is a treaty that facilitates the free movement of people between 26 European countries, including most of the EU countries. However, the UK is not a member of the Schengen Area, which has raised the question, why did the UK opt out of this agreement?

To understand this decision, we need to dive into the history between the UK and EU. The UK joined the European Economic Community (EEC), which is the predecessor of the European Union (EU), in 1973. Ever since then, the UK has had a complicated relationship with the EU, with many Britons remaining skeptical about the EU`s ambitions and the UK’s role in it.

When the Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985, the UK was not part of it. The Schengen area was created to remove internal border controls within the EU and provide the opportunity for free movement of people. However, the UK, along with Ireland, opted out of the Schengen Agreement, thus retaining border controls between their countries and the rest of Europe.

There are several reasons why the UK decided not to enter the Schengen Agreement. Firstly, the UK has a relatively secure route of entry, with the English Channel and the Irish Sea forming natural borders, which makes it easier to control who enters the country. Therefore, the UK did not feel the need to be part of a treaty that removes internal border controls.

Secondly, the UK has a unique relationship with its former colonies, such as the Commonwealth of Nations, which gives British citizens the right to live and work in several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. This right was not guaranteed under the Schengen Agreement, which could have been a concern for the UK.

Lastly, the UK has always been skeptical of the EU`s ambitions, and the Schengen Agreement was seen as a significant step in the building of a European superstate. The UK has always been wary of this idea and has been keen to retain its sovereignty.

In conclusion, the UK opted out of the Schengen Agreement due to several reasons, including its secure route of entry, its unique relationship with its former colonies, and its skepticism about the EU`s ambitions. Despite not being part of the agreement, the UK still enjoys the benefits of visa-free travel within the EU, thanks to its membership of the EU. However, with Brexit now in effect, only time will tell whether the UK will maintain its open borders policy with the EU or adopt stricter measures in controlling its borders.