British Prime Minster Andy Burnham has insisted he will “stick to the Good Friday Agreement 100%”, including its provisions on a referendum about Irish re-unification.
Mr Burnham made the pledge in response to a question from Scottish National Party MP Chris Law, who challenged the government over why Northern Ireland has a legal mechanism for a referendum while Scotland does not.
Addressing the issue of a potential border poll, Mr Burnham pointed to the Good Friday Agreement’s test for when such a vote should be considered.
“I would also remind him on that question of a border poll: 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.
He then drew a direct comparison with Scotland, arguing that the same logic should apply north of the border.
“I would say exactly the same situation in Scotland. I am not aware that there is a majority of public support for another referendum, and until that changes, Mr Speaker, there won’t be one.”
The Prime Minister faced criticism last month after telling media in Belfast that a referendum on a united Ireland was “off the table”.
He made the comments when asked about the prospects of a border poll during his first official visit to Northern Ireland since taking office.
“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.
Nationalist politicians reacted angrily at the time, with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald saying no prime minister has the right to “high-handedly” remove the provision for a unity referendum from the Good Friday Agreement.
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said earlier this week that Northern Ireland matters are expected to feature when he meets Mr Burnham later this month.
He said the conditions for calling a border poll is “an issue that has to be discussed”.
Additional reporting PA
