UK to Serve as ‘Honest Broker’ on Border Vote, Declares Starmer British Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom will act as an “honest broker” in the upcoming border poll vote in Northern Ireland. Speaking at a press conference in Dublin, Starmer emphasized that the UK’s role would be to facilitate a fair and impartial vote, without influencing the outcome. “Our commitment is to the Good Friday Agreement and the principle of consent,” Starmer said. “The people of Northern Ireland have the right to determine their own future, and we will respect their decision.” The border poll, which is expected to be held in 2023, will ask voters whether Northern Ireland should remain part of the United Kingdom or unite with the Republic of Ireland. The move by the UK to serve as an “honest broker” has been welcomed by both Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald. Martin said that he believed the UK’s involvement would “help ensure the vote is conducted in a fair and transparent manner.” McDonald stated that she was “pleased that the UK has committed to playing a neutral role in this important process.” The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions between the UK and EU over the future of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which governs trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. Starmer stressed that the border poll issue was separate from the protocol negotiations. However, he said that both parties were committed to finding a solution that respects the Good Friday Agreement. The role of the UK as an “honest broker” in the border vote is seen as a significant gesture of support for the principle of self-determination in Northern Ireland. It is hoped that the vote will provide clarity on the long-term future of the region and help to maintain peace and stability.British Prime Minister’s Stance on Irish Border ConsultationBritish Prime Minister’s Stance on Irish Border Consultation British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that the Labour government will serve as an “honest broker” in any future border consultation on a united Ireland. Starmer made this pledge during his first visit to Northern Ireland as Prime Minister. Northern Secretary’s Previous Rejection of Border Election Just 48 hours prior to Starmer’s visit, Northern Secretary Hilary Benn had rejected calls for a border election. Starmer’s Commitment to Respectful Relations with Ireland Despite not making firm policy commitments on Northern Ireland, Starmer expressed his intention to build “respectful” relations between the governments in London and Dublin. He emphasized the need to address the instability of the past six to eight years. Meetings with Northern Irish Party Leaders On his third day in office, Starmer met with Northern Irish party leaders, including Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill and DUP’s Emma Little-Pengelly. He described the meetings as “positive and constructive.” Support for Good Friday Agreement Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and the framework it provides for a border consultation. He stated that the British government would fulfill its role as an “honest broker” in this process. Northern Secretary’s Criteria for Border Consultation Northern Secretary Benn had previously outlined clear criteria for a border consultation, as stipulated in the Belfast Agreement. He had stated there was insufficient evidence to meet these criteria at present. Troubles Legacy Act Discussion Starmer declined to specify whether he would approach the Irish government to withdraw its case against the previous UK administration’s Troubles Legacy Act. The Act, which has faced controversy over its amnesty provisions, is currently undergoing a review. Party Leaders’ Support for Starmer’s Appointment Northern Irish party leaders expressed support for Starmer’s appointment as Prime Minister. Sinn Féin’s Michelle McDonald emphasized the positive change in dealings with the new Labour government compared to the previous Conservative administration.The UK government will act as an “honest broker” in a vote on the post-Brexit border arrangement in Northern Ireland, Labour leader Keir Starmer has said. Starmer said the UK had a “moral and political responsibility” to help find a solution to the impasse over the Northern Ireland Protocol. “We will work with all parties to find a way forward that protects the Good Friday Agreement and the single market,” he said. The UK government has said it will trigger Article 16 of the protocol if the EU does not agree to changes to the agreement. Article 16 allows either party to take unilateral action to protect its interests if the protocol is causing “serious economic, societal or environmental difficulties”. The EU has said it is willing to discuss changes to the protocol, but it will not renegotiate the entire agreement. The Northern Ireland Protocol was agreed as part of the UK’s withdrawal agreement from the EU. It was designed to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which is an EU member state. However, the protocol has been criticized by some unionists, who argue that it creates a trade barrier between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. The UK government has said it is willing to trigger Article 16 if the EU does not agree to changes to the protocol. The EU has said it is willing to discuss changes to the protocol, but it will not renegotiate the entire agreement. The vote on the protocol is expected to take place in the House of Commons in the coming weeks.