Brexit: Restoration of sovereignty ‘a pyrrhic victory’ says Sinn Fein

Sinn Fein says that the restoration of UK sovereignty via Brexit is a “pyrrhic victory” and that the course must now be set for Irish unification.
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Party MP Chris Hazzard said yesterday: “In the 2016 Brexit referendum the north of Ireland voted to reject Brexit and remain in Europe.

“However, despite the democratic decision of the people, tonight at 11pm we will be dragged out of the EU at the whim of the English Tory party.”

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Sinn Fein worked to ensure the Good Friday Agreement was prioritised, he said, that there was no hardening of the border and that the all-Ireland economy was protected, resulting in the “Irish Protocol”.

Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard said Brexit was a hollow victory for the UKSinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard said Brexit was a hollow victory for the UK
Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard said Brexit was a hollow victory for the UK

“Worryingly we know too that Brexit ultimately means divergence from EU rules and approaches, bringing even more frictions, costs and barriers. This is the logic of Brexit; of prioritising the pyrrhic victory of sovereign principles as opposed to the economic and social benefits of EU membership.”

This year it will become “depressingly clear” that this trade deal is not the end of the Brexit journey but rather the beginning of permanent negotiation, disputes, and recriminations, he claimed.

“EU leaders have already accepted the unique position of Ireland, and have agreed that the north will automatically become part of the EU in the context of a reunified Ireland,” he said. “This then is the road we must set our course for tomorrow.”

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SDLP leader Colum Eastwood yesterday reiterated comments about the protocol.

“My firm view now is that the United Kingdom is coming to an end,” he said. “I say that in the full understanding that many in my community will see the break-up of the union as a tragedy and I fully respect that position.

“Just because I believe the Union is ending doesn’t mean I say it in a tone of thoughtless triumphalism. It instead places a solemn responsibility on us to manage relationships across these islands.”

Alliance MP Stephen Farry said: “Some people think that the trade deal marks the end of the Brexit process, rather it is only the beginning. We are about to see the consequences of Brexit. Alliance remains a strongly pro-European party, and we will continue to seek the closest possible relationship with the European Union.”

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