Swann Seeks Clarity from PM on Belfast Agreement and Unionism
During Prime Minister's Questions today, Robin Swann MP asked the Prime Minister to make it clear that his Government have an informed understanding of the Belfast Agreement and those who made it possible. He also asked that the Government commits to upholding the principle of consent, and to promote and protect our Union.
Mr Swann asked:
"Could he speak to his Northern Ireland team about their understanding of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, because the Secretary of State in an interview seemed to think that it had been negotiated by Ian Paisley rather than David Trimble and my party?
"His Northern Ireland minister has said at the start of this week that the future of Northern Ireland as part of the union is dependent on opinion polls, and she wasn't sure if she was a unionist. Can the Prime Minister confirm to me his understanding of the principle of consent, and confirm to this House that he is a unionist?"
The Prime Minister responded:
"The Good Friday Agreement is one of the proudest achievements of the last Labour government. I pay tribute to everybody, everybody who helped bring that around, because, as he will know and other members will know, it was such an important moment in the history of the conflict.
"I absolutely stand four square behind the principles, some of which I was doing my part to help implement when I was working in Northern Ireland, they will always drive me on the issues that he raises with me."
Starmer did not say whether he is a unionist in his response.
Following PMQs, Mr Swann said:
"The principle of consent is a key aspect of the hard fought for Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, now relied on an quoted by many.
"Unfortunately, we have seen in the past week a poor understanding of the Agreement by the Northern Ireland Office ministers. I took the opportunity to ask the Prime Minister directly to address this with his Northern Ireland Ministerial Team and asked for his commitment to the Union. I have written to the Secretary of State seeking clarity, and I hope to meet with the Prime Minister to discussĀ thisĀ further."
