A NUMBER of Sinn Féin MPs are going from city to city as part of a tour of Irish communities in Britain to drum up support for reunification in the wake of Brexit.
The tour, titled 'Opening the debate on Irish Unity' has been taking place in cities in England and Scotland, with the party hoping to announce future venues after Easter.
MPs have already visited London, Manchester, Liverpool and Edinburgh as part of the campaign.
The tour’s most recent date saw Mid-Ulster MP Francie Molloy give a talk at Renfield St Stephen’s Church in Glasgow yesterday evening.
Speaking at the event, Mr Molloy said: “The triggering of Brexit has changed everything in this debate. That’s why we are now hearing more people talking about a United Ireland – even people who previously wouldn’t countenance the idea. We welcome everyone to the discussion.”
The event saw a crowd of some 50 protesters gather outside the church. A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed the demonstration, which started at about 6.30pm, had been "peaceful".
According to the Scottish Sun, a poster advertising the event encouraged ‘the Loyalist community of Glasgow’ to oppose the speech.
It read: “Your opposition is needed. Come out and join us to stop Sinn Féin!”
More than 50 people protested MP Francie Molloy's speech in Glasgow. Picture: Heart Scotland NewsSinn Féin say that Prime Minister Theresa May’s recent decision to trigger Article 50 has made a united Ireland a matter of “when not if”.
Mickey Brady MP, who addressed meetings in both Manchester and Liverpool, said: “It has been estimated that around 35 per cent of the population of Manchester has Irish ancestry.
“Meanwhile, up the road in Liverpool it’s estimated to be at least 50 per cent. These are communities, which have endured and maintained their Irish identity against all the odds. These are proud communities.
“There is enormous potential to mobilise support and place Irish Unity on the political agenda in England.”
West Belfast MP, Paul Maskey said the campaign for Irish unity needed support from Britain to be a success.
“This is why we have set ourselves this challenge of engaging Irish communities, politicians, trade unionists and other progressive individuals right across our neighbouring offshore island,” he said.
“We appeal to the Irish in Britain – whether they be second, third or even fourth generation, whether they’ve been there for a long time or are newly arrived – to join us in plotting a pathway forward.
“No part is too great or too small. We hope this tour opens a meaningful debate and discussion – and look forward to organising more meetings in the near future to keep the discussion going.”
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