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UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has clarified his stance on a potential border poll for Northern Ireland, reaffirming his commitment to the Good Friday Agreement. The clarification follows criticism from nationalist politicians and opposition MPs regarding his previous comments on the issue.
Why it matters
The status of the Good Friday Agreement and the potential for a border poll are central to the political stability of Northern Ireland and the future of the United Kingdom.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to "stick 100% to the Good Friday Agreement" after he received criticism last week when he told the media that a referendum on a united Ireland was "off the table".
During what was his first official visit to Northern Ireland, when he was asked by the media in Belfast whether he would be "the man at number 10 to press the button for a border poll", Mr Burnham said he was there "to listen and take a collaborative approach".
"Some issues will be off the table, and that is one issue that will be off the table," he added, saying that he "wanted to focus on bringing people together".
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