SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has appealed for a “generous conversation” on the future of Ireland after Brexit.
Speaking in the House of Commons (virtually) on Wednesday, the Foyle MP said that it is his firm view that the United Kingdom is coming to an end.
Mr Eastwood made the comments during a debate about Brexit which the people of the North of Ireland have opposed.
Colum Eastwood MP appealed to nationalists and unionists to begin a conversation about building a new society based on mutual respect.
Said the SDLP leader: “Boris Johnson’s government, in their rush to appease the English nationalist sentiment he stirred up during the referendum campaign, has consistently ignored the needs, hopes and ambitions of communities in Northern Ireland.
“He has secured a trade deal that diminishes Britain in almost every respect, and in the process he has, in my view, signalled the end of the United Kingdom.
“Devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have rejected the Brexit that this government has negotiated.
“That creates a very deep fracture on all sides of the union and it is right that people are entering a conversation about what future will best meet their aspirations.
“I believe the union is ending but I don’t say that through thoughtless triumphalism.
“I understand that our scarred history places a solemn duty on all of us to conduct the coming conversation with patience, generosity and compassion.
“So I appeal to my fellow nationalists – there is no future in glorifying the ugliness of our past that saw unarmed farmers shot in country lanes.
“There is no future worth having that celebrates the murder of our unionist neighbours
“And I appeal to our unionist neighbours – look at where the DUP has led you and look at where London has left you.
“It is my firm conviction that we can build a new society together, based on mutual respect and celebrating all of our rich heritage.
“Brexit has been a disaster for these islands. It’s now time that we started discussing a different future.”
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