NI-born MP calls for Good Friday protection

A NORTHERN Ireland-born Labour MP has demanded new legal protections for the Good Friday Agreement as the UK leaves the European Union.

Conor McGinn chairs the parliamentary group representing Irish people in Great Britain.

The MP for St Helen’s North said the legislation taking the UK out of the EU must be changed to safeguard the peace deal.

His amendment calls for an explicit commitment to freedom of trade and movement on the island of Ireland, upholding power-sharing and the principle of consent in relation to Northern Ireland’s future.

Other demands include protection of the status of the Irish language, as set out in the Good Friday Agreement, as well as maintaining the rights of Irish citizens living in Great Britain.

“As the UK leaves the European Union, Parliament has a duty to uphold the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process in Northern Ireland,” said Mr McGinn (left).

“That’s why I am calling for the maintenance of the Good Friday Agreement — and all of its provisions and institutions — to be enshrined in law through my amendments to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill.

“We must act to safeguard the progress made by protecting the Good Friday Agreement and enshrining it on the statute book as we leave the EU.”