Northern Irish Leaders Slam Tories for Brexit Impact on Good Friday Agreement and UK Unity

Conservatives charged with jeopardizing the Good Friday Accord

Leading politicians from Northern Ireland have criticized the Westminster government for its approach to Brexit, claiming it has "undermined the unity of the United Kingdom."

Chief Ireland reporter @skydavidblevins

Monday, June 24, 2024, at 8

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Northern Ireland's leading political figures, the first minister and the deputy first minister, have criticized the Conservative Party for the consequences that Brexit has had on their region.

Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill accused the current government of irresponsibly handling the Good Friday Agreement, in a statement to Sky News.

Emma Little-Pengelly, a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), criticized the Conservative Party, claiming that Northern Ireland suffered due to their mishandling of Brexit.

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Doug Beattie, the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), criticized the Tory government for being "disorderly" and undermining the unity of the United Kingdom.

Colum Eastwood, the head of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), accused the Conservative Party of causing significant damage for over a decade.

Naomi Long, the head of the centrist Alliance Party, stated that the election presented a chance to "reset" relationships.

In Northern Ireland, five principal political groups are vying for 18 Westminster seats: two are unionist, two are nationalist, and one is non-aligned.

Brexit Repercussions Discussed

Michelle O'Neill of Sinn Fein expressed optimism about the future political landscape, suggesting that the possible election of a Labour government could pave the way to mitigating the negative effects of Brexit. She further hoped for a complete retraction of the Brexit decision.

"It might not be the direction Labour is taking, but there appears to be a chance to mend ties, especially between London and Dublin, which have significantly deteriorated due to the Brexit discussions."

Emma Little-Pengelly, of the DUP, stated: "The Conservative Party and the UK government mishandled Brexit, with Northern Ireland suffering as a result. We consistently criticized the Conservative Party for their actions at every stage."

"We had to struggle intensely to reverse the harm caused by the policies implemented by the Conservative Party while in power. It was us leading the charge against it, while others were actively promoting and enforcing that unfavorable agreement."

Naomi Long, Alliance: "Moving forward, our focus should be on leveraging the opportunities presented by the Windsor Framework to benefit us. Northern Ireland holds a special status when it comes to trade."

"We have open trade access to Great Britain and the ability to conduct unrestricted commerce with the Republic of Ireland. Beyond that, we maintain a presence within the European Union."

Colum Eastwood, SDLP: "Brexit has proved to be extremely detrimental for the entire UK, both economically and in several other aspects. However, its impact was particularly severe here given our border with the European Union. Consequently, we've had to invest considerable effort in repairing the significant disruption caused by Brexit, Boris Johnson, and the DUP."

"At last, we have a clearer perspective, yet from our standpoint, the best possible scenario would be to fully rejoin the European Union."

Doug Beattie, UUP: "Brexit marked a pivotal point. It clearly weakened the unity of the United Kingdom, and the effects of that are still apparent today.

"Regardless of which administration takes office – and the consensus seems to be that it will be Labour – I believe fostering unity will need to be a primary focus. However, what followed was a complete string of calamities."

Ms. O'Neill upheld Sinn Fein's stance of abstaining from their Westminster seats as a protest against British governance in Northern Ireland.

"She highlighted that Sinn Fein's advantage is its widespread presence, with members in Belfast, Dublin, London, the United States, and now Europe as well."

"That stands out from all other parties throughout the North."

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When questioned about the reliability of her party following the Brexit results, which led to a border in the Irish Sea, Ms. Little-Pengelly asserted that the DUP was the sole party that managed to implement modifications to the protocol.

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Ms. Long stated that the Alliance's ambition to gain additional seats was not dependent on a divided unionist vote, but rather on attracting more individuals who support "progressive politics."

Mr. Eastwood emphasized that the SDLP remains a relevant force, as it consistently participates and casts votes on critical matters, such as the alleged genocide in Gaza.

Mr. Beattie acknowledged that he would accept "personal responsibility" should the UUP not secure a Westminster seat in this election.

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Asked to summarize their goals using just three words, the groups showed they share more similarities than assumed.

Out of the five individuals, three described the situation as "progressive," while two referred to it as "positive," terms that have been rare in Northern Ireland's recent discourse.

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