SDLP Leader Claire Hanna has urged both the UK and Irish Governments to begin coordinated planning for potential constitutional change in Northern Ireland, warning that avoiding another “Brexit-style” scenario requires early preparation.
Hanna, the MP for South Belfast and Mid Down, pressed Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the issue during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
She said discussions about the future of the island of Ireland are “gaining pace”, with people from a wide range of political and community backgrounds engaging in “serious and hopeful discussion about building something new together.” According to Hanna, these conversations are now happening even within Westminster, referencing an event she hosted this week featuring journalists Fintan O’Toole and Sam McBride on making the case for Irish unity.
Hanna said the message from those discussions was clear: **“While different perspectives were argued, each voice was clear that the time for careful planning is now.”**
The SDLP leader stressed that while the party accepts that more work is needed before any referendum is held, the experience of the UK’s exit from the EU showed the dangers of going to the public without detailed plans.
“The SDLP recognises that there is work to do before any referendum, but our experience with Brexit taught us the bitter lesson that planning and preparation must take place beforehand. When a referendum comes we need to avoid the chaos of Brexit and make a clear and credible argument to people in the North and South of this island,” she said.
Hanna acknowledged that the Prime Minister “may not wish to engage with this debate” but insisted that thousands of people across the island are already taking part in conversations about a New Ireland.
She reaffirmed the SDLP’s commitment to leading constructive dialogue and said both governments must “face their responsibility to prepare for a New Ireland.”
