Border poll ‘not a priority for Labour Party’

Hanna responded to McDonald’s remarks adding that she “would like a little more focus on the how and why” rather than the “obsession” over the mechanism of a border poll.

“The SDLP know that there is work to do before we are at the point where a border poll is going to be called,” she added.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said the Good Friday Agreement was “very clear” about the circumstances in which a border poll must be held.

“There is no evidence in Northern Ireland that that is the view of the people. If public opinion changes, of course I’d have to take that into account.”

Last year, Sir Keir Starmer said a referendum on Irish unification is “not even on the horizon” adding he did not think “we’re anywhere near that kind of question. It’s absolutely hypothetical”.

He has previously said he would campaign for Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK if such a referendum was held in his lifetime.