He ended his statement with “I hope I don’t follow the fate of Michael Collins in wanting to see this delivered”.
Former Northern Ireland Secretary and current pro-Brexit MP Owen Paterson made reference to Michael Collins today in Westminster, while voicing his support for Boris Johnson’s deal.
The support was insufficient, as Johnson later stated that the Brexit Withdrawal Bill will be ‘paused’ after MPs rejected the government’s proposed timetable in the House of Commons tonight.
The proposal was voted down by 322 to 308 votes.
Earlier in the evening, Paterson said: “Touching on Ireland, it’s worth looking at the example of the Republic of Ireland which emerged from the Irish Free State.
“Michael Collins in Dáil Eireann on 19 December 1921 said something that pretty reflects my views this evening.”
Paterson then quoted Collins directly: “Now as one of the signatories of the document I naturally recommend its acceptance.
“Equally I do not recommend it for less than it is. In my opinion it gives us freedom, not the ultimate freedom that all nations desire and develop to, but the freedom to achieve it.”
Paterson ended his speech by saying “I hope I don’t follow the fate of Michael Collins in wanting to see this delivered.”
Watch the clip in full here, via BBC Politics Producer Darran Marshall:
🚨 THIS JUST HAPPENED.
Former NI Secretary @OwenPaterson has quoted Michael Collins – in Westminster – as he voices his support for the #Brexit deal.
He ended it by saying "I hope I don't follow the fate of Michael Collins". pic.twitter.com/8MCJ1bWd0g
— Darran Marshall (@DarranMarshall) October 22, 2019
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