https://www.newstalk.com/news/new-northern-ireland-secretary-rules-out-border-poll-1742582
UK Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has ruled out a border poll on a united Ireland as there is “no evidence” the majority of people in Northern Ireland would support it.
The newly appointed Labour Cabinet member visited Northern Ireland yesterday and spoke with First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
He said his priority is to establish a new relationship between the UK Government and the Stormont Executive.
Mr Benn said today he has no plans to call for a referendum on a united Ireland.
He said the criteria for a border is “clear”.
It's when the secretary of state – whoever he or she is at the time – comes to the view that if a border poll was held, they would vote for a united Ireland,” he said.
“There is no evidence that that condition has been met.”
Northern Ireland poll
According to the Good Friday Agreement, a poll among Northern Irish people on a United Ireland can be called “if at any time it appears likely to him that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the UK and form part of a united Ireland”.
A survey by the Belfast Telegraph and LucidTalk found 49% of people would vote to stay in the UK in a border, compared to 39% who would vote for a united Ireland.
The survey also found that the majority of people under 45 support a united Ireland.
A 2023 Life and Times Survey by Ulster University also found more people expect to join the Republic of Ireland following Brexit
Nationalist party Sinn Féin recently became the largest Northern Irish party in Westminster following the UK general election.
The party gained seven seats, the largest of any party in Northern Ireland – although no elected MP will take their seat.
Mr Benn said he wants to get to work as "quickly as possible" and was happy to meet with Northern Irish leaders.
Speaking about the legacy of the Troubles, Mr Benn said he wanted to ensure that there was "a system in place for addressing the legacy of the past".
He said the new government was committed to the Good Friday Agreement and to "the principle of consent that is at its heart".
Newly-elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit Northern Ireland tomorrow.
by Gazmac_868855
12 comments
I don’t know why people would want to push for one right now when it wouldn’t seem too likely to pass and the shifting demographics would mean a bit more time would make it more likely to pass.
It’s a once in a generation vote, if you support the idea of a United Ireland would it not make more sense to wait another 5-10 years rather than 50 or more of it failed, which would be the likely outcome at this present time?
I am pro Unification myself but think it would be absolutely daft to call one now. Actually if I was a Unionist politician I’d probably be asking for one on the probability it would likely fail now then they’d have secured another half century of the way things are.
If i was in Starmer shoes id be settling into my position and not give Sinn Feinn a unification vote. Simply put, id not wana be giving the Torys anything that could be skewed as ”Breaking up the Union” and ”Giving into terrorist sympathisers”
I mean, the real take here is that the majority of people under 45 support a United Ireland.
We need discussions now on what a United Ireland will mean for all, whether Unionism wants to hear it or not. We’re all going to be living there if it does happen. Ignoring and bashing it won’t make it go away.
>A survey by the Belfast Telegraph and LucidTalk found 49% of people would vote to stay in the UK in a border, compared to 39% who would vote for a united Ireland.
Less than a majority want to stay is mental, from a starting point that’s really quite weak.
The undecideds will probably be the kingmaker in this case.
>The survey also found that the majority of people under 45 support a united Ireland.
This is gonna be what tips it especially as the older generations which are mostly Unionist pass.
FYI for those not aware, the figures quoted from LucidTalk on the article are based on the following question: “If there was a referendum on the constitutional position of Northern Ireland within the week, how would you vote?”
Unsurprisingly with no information on what that would look like, most people said no.
When the timeline was changed to “At some point in the future”, that changed to 52% yes and 44%%. The result was the same as when it was asked in 2022.
Of course he does. I hope I’m wrong but It’s hard to see how a border poll will ever happen.
The only person with any power to call one is an SOS i.e.someone without a single vote from anyone on this Island and more than likely a partisan Unionist too. And even then, it has to go before the English parliament and can be potentially blocked in the lords too if it ever were successful.
Makes you wonder why arses are making buttons about a ‘super majority’ or whatever other shite they talk about.
England will have the final say at all times.
I’d be delighted for my father in law if he see’s a united Ireland.
I have a gorgeous child, a beautiful wife, and a baby coming in December, all my friends have kids, but most of us look forward to the best day of our lives.
We only have to win the vote once.
Has anyone driven over the border lately? the quality of the roads, the infrastructure, the facilities they have makes us look piss. We are rotting here, get the United Ireland done.
Chances of United ireland died with corbyns labour career.
It will never happen unless the UK government commits to at least 200billion and 5 billion a year for 20 years to get the nordies up to scratch.