DUP leader welcomes Alex Burghart's correction of 'misstep' on UK neutrality in a border poll
The DUP leader has welcomed Alex Burghart’s change of position on UK neutrality during any future border poll – saying the government should never be neutral about any attempt to break up the country.
Gavin Robinson was reacting to the Tory shadow Northern Ireland secretary’s retraction of his view that the government could not take sides in a referendum. Mr Burghart had made the comments in a BBC podcast which was aired last week.
In today’s News Letter, the Conservative MP has reversed that position (to read Mr Burghart’s letter, click here) – a move welcomed by Mr Robinson.
“The UK Government should never be neutral about any attempt to break up the United Kingdom. The notion that the Belfast Agreement demands such a position is nonsense, but it is a myth that has been so often repeated that some unfortunately have swallowed it as truth.
“I spoke with Alex last week and highlighted that his comments were a misstep that needed correcting. He has taken that step and done so clearly which is to be welcomed.
“For us here in Northern Ireland we must ensure that the value attached to the unity of our nation is not viewed with some sort of caveat in relation to Northern Ireland.
“There is nothing in the Belfast Agreement or any other agreement which prevents full support for our Union and to refute the arguments of those who wish to see it dismantled.”
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The Ulster Unionist Party also welcomed the change of position from the Conservative politician. Last week, Lord Empey said that if the Irish government campaigned for Northern Ireland to leave the United Kingdom in a border poll, the British government would have to do likewise on behalf of the union.
The unionist negotiator of the Belfast Agreement, had said it is in the Irish government’s in DNA to campaign for a United Ireland.
During the BBC interview, Mr Burghart also declined to be drawn on what the criteria should be for the calling of a referendum. NI Secretary Hilary Benn previously warned that basing the decision on opinion polls would not work, because people would then focus on shaping those poll results.