Burnham Irish unity remarks were not a mistake, Chris Bryant says
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant defended Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s recent comments that a border poll on Irish unity is currently 'off the table'. The remarks have sparked controversy among nationalist politicians who argue it undermines the Good Friday Agreement.
Why it matters
The exchange underscores the delicate political balance in Northern Ireland and the ongoing debate over the constitutional future of the region.
Britain's prime minister Andy Burnham did not make a mistake when he said in Belfast that a poll on Irish unity is "off the table", Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant has said.
Bryant said Mr Burnham was speaking about the situation "now" and insisted they are both "full square behind every single part of the Good Friday Agreement".
The prime pinister caused a political row this week with his comments during his first visit to Northern Ireland since coming into office.
Asked about the prospects of a border poll, he responded: "I will take a collaborative approach, but some issues will be off the table, and that is one issue that will be off the table.
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