Andy Burnham Sparks Row After Saying United Ireland Border Poll Is Off the Table

Speaking to reporters in Belfast on Thursday, according to The Irish Times and The Independent, Mr. Burnham maintained a collaborative approach while drawing a firm line on constitutional change. “I am here to listen and to collaborate, but some issues will be off the table, and that is one of them,” Mr. Burnham said, as reported by The Irish Times. He added that referendums on major constitutional shifts often cause prolonged rifts, pointing to the aftermath of Brexit and the Scottish independence referendum.

The remarks drew swift and sharply contrasting reactions from local political leaders. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald strongly criticized the Prime Minister’s stance following a meeting in Belfast. According to The Independent, Ms. McDonald asserted that no British prime minister holds the right to dismiss or disregard the provisions laid out in the 1998 Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. “The right to referendum, the right for Irish people to decide our future, is one that is contained within the Good Friday Agreement and is a commitment entered into and a matter of international law,” Ms. McDonald said, as reported by The Irish Times.

In contrast, Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson welcomed the Prime Minister’s comments, telling The Independent that Mr. Burnham had successfully “put to bed the nonsense” speculation surrounding a potential unity poll.

Under the terms of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland holds the authority to call a border poll, and is legally mandated to do so if it appears likely that a majority of voters would support forming a united Ireland. Constitutional change would also require a favorable vote in the Republic of Ireland. Previous statements from Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant noted that a border poll is not at the top of his priorities.

During his half-day itinerary, Mr. Burnham also met with First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and leaders from the Alliance Party, the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), and the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP). Discussions focused heavily on local governance and finance, including a unresolved budget shortfall at the Stormont Executive.