British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to “stick to the Good Friday Agreement 100%”, including its provisions on a possible referendum on Irish reunification.
He was responding to a question from Scottish National Party MP Chris Law, who asked whether it was fair that Northern Ireland has a legally established mechanism for holding such a vote while Scotland does not.
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“I would also remind him, on the question of a border poll, that it is to be considered by the Northern Ireland Secretary when there is a clear consensus in the country — when public opinion has changed to the point where the call has to be considered,” Mr Burnham said.
“I would say exactly the same situation applies in Scotland. I am not aware that there is majority public support for another referendum, and until that changes, Mr Speaker, there won’t be one.”
Mr Burnham made the comments during his first official visit to Northern Ireland as British Prime Minister, as he faced questions about the prospects of a border poll.
“I will take a collaborative approach, but some issues will be off the table, and that is one issue that will be off the table,” he said.
His remarks prompted an angry response from nationalist politicians. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said no prime minister had the right to “high-handedly” remove the provision for a unity referendum from the Good Friday Agreement.
Earlier this week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Northern Ireland-related issues would be on the agenda for a meeting he is due to hold with Mr Burnham later this month.
He said the conditions for calling a border poll were “an issue that has to be discussed”.
Additional reporting PA
