(Corrects September 12 story in paragraph 2 to remove quote that referred to Scotland and to clarify context of question; adds quote that refers to Ireland in paragraph 3) LONDON, Sept 12 (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s position on Irish unification remains unchanged, a spokesperson for his office said on Saturday, following comments […]
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UK PM’s office says position on Irish unity unchanged after Trump comments
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(Corrects September 12 story in paragraph 2 to remove quote that referred to Scotland and to clarify context of question; adds quote that refers to Ireland in paragraph 3)
LONDON, Sept 12 (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s position on Irish unification remains unchanged, a spokesperson for his office said on Saturday, following comments by U.S. President Donald Trump that he would “love” to see a united Ireland.
Responding to questions from lawmakers in parliament on Wednesday about a possible independence referendum in Scotland, Burnham began his answer with a reference to the situation in Ireland:
“On the question of a border poll (in Ireland) … that is to be considered by the Northern Ireland Secretary when there is clear consensus in the country — when public opinion has changed to the point at which the call has to be considered.”
A spokesperson for Burnham’s office said on Saturday the prime minister’s remarks still stood after Trump told reporters after a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin in Dublin that unification would happen eventually.
(Reporting by William James and Sam Tabahriti; Editing by Conor Humphries and Kevin Liffey)