At a well–attended and engaging online meeting, Irish in Britain CEO Brian Dalton updated politicians from the Conservatives, Labour and SNP, as well as Northern Irish MPs, about the work of our members during lockdown. He also noted how important the upcoming census in March is to the Irish in Britain and Policy Officer Ruairí Cullen shared our new interactive map of Irish born people in Britain, which sparked some excited comments and got MPs looking up the Irish numbers in their constituencies.
The meeting was organised by APPG chair Conor McGinn MP, who told the attendees that Irish in Britain would soon take on the formal role of secretariat to the group later in the year.
Strong interest in the Irish community and UK–Irish ties was demonstrated by the high attendance for an APPG event – of nearly 50 politicians, plus several observers – and speakers included Diaspora Minister Colm Brophy and Ambassador Adrian O’Neill. MPs from different parties asked questions in a lively Q&A.
Minister Brophy emphasised how UK–Irish links remain close and strong after the conclusion of Brexit, pointing to our shared ties of trade, culture and people. He paid tribute to the NHS and its 13,000 Irish doctors, nurses and staff. He looked forward to visiting the UK again in person when restrictions are lowered as well as the opening of a new Irish Consulate in Manchester.
The Minister and Ambassador Adrian O’Neill both talked about how significant Irish community groups in Britain were to the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), as nearly half of its funding goes to British–based organisations. Labour MP for Bristol South, Karin Smyth, who has Irish parents, said that despite the UK’s departure from the European Union, Ireland remained the country’s closest friend and ally in Europe.
The last year has made it even more apparent how important Irish in Britain members and ESP recipients are in supporting our community and we were pleased to see a broad consensus on the value of third sector organisations to help build recovery. The engagement from such a large number of MPs from across the political spectrum emphasising how UK–Irish links must stay strong was welcome and significant. While the last few years have not always been easy, it is very encouraging to see such a shared commitment to remain close, promote dialogue and celebrate the ongoing contribution of Irish people and their families to life in Britain.