LABOUR leader Keir Starmer has said he would campaign for Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom if there was a border poll in his lifetime.
Starmer, who took over the role of Labour Party leader from Jeremy Corbyn, who supported a United Ireland, was speaking after a two-day visit to Northern Ireland when he said he does not think a border poll on the future of the north will happen any time soon.
Should a referendum on Irish unity happen, however, he will campaign for Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK because, he said, “I believe in the United Kingdom”.
Speaking to BBC NI, Starmer was questioned by political editor Enda McClafferty on what his stance will be should the north decide to vote on a border poll.
“I respect the principle that the decision, in the end, is for the people of the island of Ireland,” Starmer said.
“I personally, as leader of the Labour Party, believe in the United Kingdom strongly, and would want to make the case for a United Kingdom strongly and will be doing that.”
McClafferty pressed the Labour leader further, asking him to clarify that he would not remain neutral should there be a border poll, that instead he would be “very much on the side of Unionists, arguing for Northern Ireland to remain in the UK” even if he were to be Prime Minister at the time.
Starmer repeated his assertion that “I believe in the United Kingdom and I will make the case for a United Kingdom.”
The Labour politician said he does not think a border poll or United Ireland “is in sight” and the question was “hypothetical”.
While the Labour leader does not think a border poll on the island of Ireland is anywhere close to happening, political leaders continue to make their stances on the subject known.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin of Fianna Fail has said repeatedly that now is not the right time for a “divisive” referendum on Irish unity, while Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said it is time for Fine Gael to begin actively planning for a united Ireland.
Corbyn spoke openly about his support for a united Ireland.
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