Ireland commits €2 million more to British diaspora as EU return debate grows

The Irish government has allocated a record €9.1 million to support diaspora-linked community organizations in Britain next year. This figure represents a €2 million increase in funding through the State’s Emigrant Support Programme. The announcement was made by Neale Richmond, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, during an event in London on Thursday.

The funding news arrived as Richmond addressed the possibility of Britain reversing its exit from the European Union. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has recently suggested that the UK might seek to rejoin the EU or the single market. Burnham, a former critic of Brexit, has also floated the idea of accepting EU freedom of movement rules to secure a better deal. He has indicated that the UK could hold a new referendum on its relationship with the bloc.

Richmond stated that the Irish government must work behind the scenes to ensure Britain has a clear pathway to re-entry if it chooses to return. He argued that the state has a responsibility to make the process as smooth as possible within EU institutions. Richmond emphasized that Ireland should be as vocal about welcoming Britain back as other major EU partners, including France, Spain, and Germany.

The Minister acknowledged that there are sensitivities regarding Ireland advocating too closely for Britain inside the EU. However, he noted that being part of the EU does not contradict the desire to see the UK return. Richmond described the current situation as one where the light is on for Britain to come back, referencing the Irish effort to keep the UK in the bloc during the Brexit negotiations.

He noted that the decision to rejoin or hold a referendum remains a matter for the British government and the British people. Richmond said Ireland respects that autonomy but must be prepared to react if British policy changes. He pointed out that other EU states have been vocal about their desire to reverse Brexit, suggesting Ireland would be an anomaly if it did not match that enthusiasm.

Prime Minister Burnham is scheduled to attend his first EU-UK summit in Brussels next month. The agenda includes finalizing a youth mobility scheme to facilitate work and study for young people in both territories. The summit will also cover post-Brexit agri-food rules and protections for the British car manufacturing industry against new 'made in Europe' supply chain rules. Richmond indicated that there is a will to go further on existing agreements during these talks.