Burnham Irish unity remarks were not a mistake, Sir Chris Bryant says

Sir Chris said Mr Burnham was speaking about the situation “now” and insisted they are both “full square behind every single part of the Good Friday Agreement”.The Prime Minister caused a political row this week with his comments during his first visit to Northern Ireland since coming into office.Prime Minister Andy Burnham caused a political row in his first visit to Belfast (Cathal McNaughton/PA)PA WireAsked about the prospects of a border poll, he responded: “I will take a collaborative approach but some issues will be off the table, and that is one issue that will be off the table.“I think we’ve got to focus on bringing people together as best we can, and I think we’ve lived through a decade where there’s been a referendum on Brexit, we had Scottish independence just before it.”The remarks drew an angry response from nationalist politicians, with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald stating that no prime minister has the right to “high-handedly” remove the provision for a unity referendum from the Good Friday Agreement.DUP leader Gavin Robinson welcomed the comments, stating the Prime Minister had “put to bed the nonsense” speculation over a unity poll.Asked if Mr Burnham’s comment was a mistake, Sir Chris told UTV: “No, it wasn’t.“I sat next to Andy throughout all the conversations yesterday, and he made absolutely clear, time and time again, and I’m happy to do it again now, that we stand full square behind every single part of the Good Friday Agreement, including the provisions in relation to a border poll.”He added: “He was asked specifically about whether he was going to be discussing a border poll, holding a border poll now, and he was saying that we’re taking that off the table today.“It was simply about the conversations yesterday.“I’ve spoken to the First Minister and to other political leaders today to make it absolutely clear, I and Andy are fully committed to the Good Friday Agreement with all its provisions, including in relation to a border poll.”Under the terms of the 1998 Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, the secretary of state can decide to hold a border poll, and it also places a duty on the office holder to call one if it appears likely a majority would vote for Irish unification.Read MoreThe people of the Republic of Ireland must also vote in favour to effect constitutional change.