Cambridge University Union Votes in Favour of Irish Unity.
Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney recently took part in a debate at the Cambridge Union. The motion under consideration was, ‘This House believes NI Ought to Remain Part of the UK’. In the debate that also featured the DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson, the motion was defeated in favor of the panel arguing for unity.
The Sinn Féin MLA and Junior Minister made the case for unity and called in the Irish Government to convene a Citizens Assembly to begin the work of planning and preparing for Unity.
Speaking at the debate Declan Kearney said,
“Attitudes are changing in the north. Fundamental demographic change is happening.
“In April 2017, the EU announced that in the event of Irish unity the island of Ireland will have an automatic route back to full EU membership.
“A united Ireland would allow for the economy and society on the island to be organized and managed in the interests of Irish citizens.
“But we also need to plan the milestones of an orderly transition to Irish unity.
“That is why the Irish government should immediately convene a national Citizens’ Assembly on constitutional change to positively address the key policy areas and mechanisms for change.
“It should begin to plan for Irish unity.”
Declan Kearney said that British government policy towards Ireland has run out of road and that the two governments need to work in genuine collaboration. He said:
“These are unprecedented times
“British government policy towards Ireland has run out of road. It needs to change.
“The British government should begin to work in genuine collaboration to manage the transition.
“Acceptance of the right to Irish self-determination and full implementation of the GFA should be adopted within British government policy.
“Both governments should set out a timetable of transition which facilitates reasoned, inclusive and respectful discussion.
“They should agree a date for concurrent Irish unity referenda north and south in accordance with the GFA.”
Watch the Full Debate Here: