“Article 1: (vi) recognise the birthright of all the people of Northern Ireland to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British, or both, as they may so choose, and accordingly confirm that their right to hold both British and Irish citizenship is accepted by both Governments and would not be affected by any future change in the status of Northern Ireland” (The Belfast Agreement, 10.04.1998).
Today, we should be worried, the North Ireland Protocol, which is a part of the European Union Withdrawal Agreement is up for grabs. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is playing high and mighty. He also must play this game for his own gains and office. It is not like he has a massive mandate or power on his own. The PM needs to play the support of DUP and ERG within his own ranks. That’s why he got a buck-load of trouble and little strength in the days ahead.
Why am I worried, well he answered this in the PMQ today:
“As the right hon. and learned Gentleman knows, we are still in active discussions with the European Union, but he should know that I am a Conservative, a Brexiter and a Unionist, and any agreement that we reach needs to tick all three boxes. It needs to ensure sovereignty for Northern Ireland, it needs to safeguard Northern Ireland’s place in our Union, and it needs to find practical solutions to the problems faced by people and businesses. I will be resolute in fighting for what is best for Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom” (Sunak, 22.02.2023).
I find it troubling with the quote of the PM. His disregarding the Irish and the GFA by doing so. His only on the side of the Unionists and the ones who wants the Northern Irish to be British. That is indirectly disregarding a lot of people in NI. The PM might not consider this, but by what he said and how he stated it… he has violated and intends to not honour Article 1(vi) of the Belfast Agreement of 1998.
If he does what he might want to do… to appease DUP and ERG within his party. He is maybe without intention or purposes changing the status of Northern Ireland. In such a manner, that endangers the whole Good Friday Agreement.
It seems like the PM should consult with the North South Ministerial Council on the matter of NI Protocol as well. Even the GFA agreement states one vital part under the second stand, which says this: “(iii) in an appropriate format to consider institutional or cross-sectoral matters (including in relation to the EU) and to resolve disagreement” (The Belfast Agreement, 10.04.1998).
This here stipulates the acts of the Council and how it works in relations to the EU. That is vital in consideration the NI Protocol and the plans of the PM. If he wants to honour the GFA and such. He should consult himself with Council and be cautious, as he is trading waters and possibly eaten by sharks. They a sensing blood and coming for him. That’s why he should read the agreements and stipulations to ensure the right actions ahead.
Now his just spewing Tory rhetoric and it’s doing no good. There are no favours earned or statements which are making things better. The way he speaks at the PMQ make it seems like a way of only safeguarding the Union and the interests of allies of Great Britain. While his disregarding and dismissing the ones wanting a united Ireland. Which is also something the British Government promised to commit too in the GFA. That’s what is striking here, and we should be worried about. It shows a sentiment and attitude from London, which is forgetting old promises. That is clear… and Sunak isn’t a man who honour this agreement apparently. He got enough to hold his head above water and steer away from the sharks. Peace.
MinBane 