New Northern Secretary ‘deliberately’ avoids answering united Ireland question

Chris Bryant, the newly appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, stated during his first official visit to the region in his role that holding a border poll is “not top of my list of priorities.” Speaking to journalists in Belfast on Friday, Bryant emphasized that while the criteria for a border poll are outlined in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, he does not intend to initiate such a process in the near term. The agreement allows the Secretary of State to determine when a poll should be held and imposes a duty to call one if it seems likely that a majority would support Irish unification. Bryant, who was appointed by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham on 20 July, was pressed on whether he believes a united Ireland will occur. In response, he said, “I believe a lot of things,” before adding, “I’m deliberately avoiding answering the question.” When asked if this approach was sustainable given the importance of Northern Ireland’s constitutional status, he said, “You’re going to have to live with this answer for now.” He reiterated that he is not planning to start a border poll this year, stating, “I’m not starting a [border] poll now, or this week, or this month, or, I would suggest, this year.” The decision to avoid directly addressing the issue of a united Ireland comes amid ongoing discussions about the future of Northern Ireland. Bryant, a former Anglican priest who left the church over its stance on homosexuality, has been described as a prominent Remainer and an outspoken figure in British politics. His remarks were made during a press conference in Belfast, where he also highlighted other immediate priorities, including resolving the Troubles Bill and securing a stable budget for the region. The Troubles Bill, which aims to address historical grievances related to the conflict in Northern Ireland, is among the key legislative items Bryant hopes to advance. He described the bill as essential for reconciling the past, noting that many families remain unaware of what occurred during the Troubles. “There are an awful lot of families who simply don’t know what happened,” he said. “That’s just morally offensive, let alone socially divisive, and a kind of, a form of cancer in society.” As a historian, Bryant stressed the importance of addressing these issues to ensure societal healing. In addition to the Troubles Bill, Bryant mentioned the need to resolve the financial challenges facing Northern Ireland. During his visit, he planned to meet with representatives from the region’s main political parties to discuss budgetary matters. He acknowledged that some politicians had questioned whether he would bring funding to address these issues, saying, “Quite a few politicians have already raised with me, are you coming with a chequebook, and actually I’m coming with a bit of a checklist, of things that I want to get sorted and done.” Bryant also noted that achieving a functioning budget is crucial for ensuring that public services in Northern Ireland operate effectively. He emphasized that while progress may take time, the goal is to create a system that better serves the residents of the region. His comments reflect a broader effort to stabilize governance and improve public trust in the administration. As the UK government continues to navigate the complex political landscape of Northern Ireland, Bryant’s focus on immediate legislative and fiscal reforms underscores the delicate balance required in managing the region’s affairs. While the possibility of a border poll remains open, his current emphasis suggests that resolving pressing domestic concerns will take precedence in the near term.