The British government released a statement on Saturday night disputing what Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams had said just hours early at a united Ireland conference.
Adams has claimed that the UK’s proposed removal from the EU will negatively affect Northern Ireland, both in terms of the North-South border issue, as well as with regards to the Good Friday Agreement.
According to the Irish Times, Adams told the crowd that “The British prime minister repeated her intention to bring an end to the jurisdiction of the European court. Along with her commitment to remove Britain from the European convention on human rights, this stand threatens to undermine the fundamental human rights elements of the Good Friday agreement.”
Late on Saturday, the British government officially repudiated these claims, stating: “These comments are totally without any basis in fact. None of the institutions and provisions set out in the Belfast Agreement, including those relating to human rights, are in any way undermined by the decision of the UK to leave the EU.”
“The UK Government is fully behind the implementation of the Belfast Agreement and its successors, including Stormont House and Fresh Start.”
“There will be no return to the borders of the past. We are also working intensively to ensure that following the forthcoming election strong and stable devolved government that works for everyone is re-established in Northern Ireland.”
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