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Ritchie: Cameron should have consulted NI Ministers on EU Treaty

SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has spoken out against David Cameron’s use of the UK veto at last weekend’s Brussels summit, saying he should have consulted with devolved administrations.

Wed 14th December

Speaking in opposition to a DUP motion in the House of Commons last night (Dec 13) which commended the PM’s actions, she said: “Not only did [David Cameron] appear to fail to consult his coalition partners; more importantly from our perspective in Northern Ireland, he failed to consult any of the devolved Administrations, despite the fact that his actions could have profound implications for those jurisdictions.

“I ask the Government seriously to consider those implications in the medium and long term, because there are many economic, financial and social benefits to membership of the European Union.

“Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK with a land and sea border with the eurozone. We are entitled to be consulted about any UK Government action that fundamentally impacts on Britain’s relationship with the eurozone.

“Anything short of that is, frankly, disrespectful.

“I hope that the Government will bring forward a solution this evening and tell us that the Prime Minister will return to the negotiating table and not turn his back on the European Union again or the opportunities that could be there for us all.”

Speaking afterwards, Ms Ritchie said: “The principal concern for us is the unilateralism of the Prime Minister’s approach to this issue.

“The arrogance and thoughtlessness of using the veto – a move of great seriousness – as a sop to hardliners in his own party and City bankers who helped cause the financial crisis is bad enough.

“But to do so without recourse to any of the devolved governments, especially in Northern Ireland, which is so close to the Eurozone, is an insult to the Northern Ireland Executive and the people of the North of Ireland.

“As I said in the House, we hope that fresh and fruitful negotiations with our European partners will be entered into by the Prime Minister, with a view to securing the best deal and not just playing to the Eurosceptic gallery.”

Margaret Ritchie

Margaret Ritchie MP, Westminster

Email m.ritchie@sdlp.ie
Tel 028 4461 2882

Press Office

Tel 028 90 52 1837

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