The MP raised the matter with Prime Minister Keir Starmer during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
Claire Hanna stated that discussions surrounding a New Ireland are gaining pace, with people from diverse backgrounds engaging in “serious and hopeful discussion about building something new together.” She noted that these conversations are even occurring within Westminster itself, citing an event she hosted this week with journalists Fintan O’Toole and Sam McBride on making the case for Irish unity.
She emphasised the consensus from such discussions: “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 recognises work must be done before any referendum is held, the lessons learned from the process of the UK’s departure from the EU highlight the critical need for preparation.
“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.”
Ms Hanna acknowledged that the Prime Minister “may not wish to engage with this debate” but insisted that thousands of people across the island already are.
She concluded by confirming the SDLP’s commitment to leading these future discussions and pressing both governments to “face their responsibility to prepare for a New Ireland.”