Irish Minister Seeks Pathway for British EU Re-entry
Neale Richmond urges the Republic to actively smooth the process for London, noting that a return would require alignment with other major bloc members.
By John Price ·
A record allocation of €9.1 million, equivalent to £7.8 million, was announced for Irish diaspora community organizations in Britain. The government increased funding for the Emigrant Support Programme by €2 million to support these groups next year.
The announcement coincided with a push by Neale Richmond, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, to prepare the European Union for a potential return by the United Kingdom. Speaking in London on Thursday, Richmond argued that the Republic has a duty to facilitate a smoother re-entry process for its neighbor.
Richmond stated that Britain desires a closer relationship with the EU and may seek to reverse the effects of Brexit. He said it rests on Ireland's shoulders to ensure the country is eager for Britain's return around the European Council table. "It is up to us," Richmond said.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, a long-time critic of leaving the EU, has recently suggested Britain could eventually rejoin. He has proposed accepting EU freedom of movement and rejoining the single market or customs union to secure a better deal. Burnham has also raised the prospect of holding a new referendum on the UK's relationship with the bloc.
Richmond acknowledged sensitivities regarding the State advocating too closely for Britain. He noted that ministers from France, Spain, and Germany have been vocal about wanting Brexit reversed. He argued that it would be an anomaly if Ireland were not as strong a voice as those other EU partners.
The prime minister will attend his first EU-UK summit in Brussels next month. Agenda items include finalizing a youth mobility scheme for work and study, as well as post-Brexit agri-food rules. Burnham seeks an agreement to protect the British car manufacturing industry from proposed "made in Europe" rules that prioritize bloc companies in supply chains. Richmond said there is a will to go further on existing agreements at the summit.
Richmond described the Republic's efforts to keep Britain in the EU as a success worth celebrating. He said, "The light is on. We'd love to have you back." He added that if British policy changes, the government needs to react and respond in turn.
Source: The Irish Times
