Government Briefings Provide Northern Ireland a Voice, Says MP
Government security briefings concerning the Middle East conflict offer Northern Ireland "a seat at the table" to address relevant issues, according to Alliance Party MP Sorcha Eastwood.
Eastwood made these remarks following First Minister Michelle O'Neill's refusal to participate in a second Cabinet Office briefing with senior officials. The Sinn Féin vice-president stated she would
"not be part of any briefing by the British government on their military operations".
Eastwood emphasized that the virtual meetings provide an opportunity to raise specific concerns impacting Northern Ireland.
Unionist parties have criticized O'Neill for not attending high-level briefings on developments related to Iran and the Middle East held on Saturday and again on Monday. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, who attended both briefings, described O'Neill's position as
"genuinely disappointing".
O'Neill accused the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of attempting to exploit an "international warzone" for political advantage. She has also criticized the government for what she described as making
"absolutely the wrong call"by agreeing to a US request to use British military bases.
On Saturday, the US and Israel conducted strikes against Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has since responded with a series of attacks across the region.
"It's Absolutely Vital"
Speaking on the BBC's Nolan Show on Tuesday, Eastwood highlighted the importance of attending Cabinet Office briefings to raise issues affecting Northern Ireland.
She clarified,
"Attending those briefings with the UK government does not mean in any shape or form that you are supporting or are involved in any way in military or armed forces conversations at all."
Eastwood added,
"It simply means you have a seat at the table and a voice to raise very particular issues that do impact Northern Ireland."
The Lagan Valley MP pointed to efforts to ensure that individuals from Northern Ireland who have traveled to the Middle East using Irish passports can access UK consular support.
She stressed,
"So I think it's absolutely vital at times like this, where there is such uncertainty and people are still stranded over there, that we are doing everything we can to make sure their voices are heard and that they're brought home as soon as possible."
Matthew O'Toole, leader of the opposition in the Stormont assembly, called for an
"agreed local response"from the first and deputy first ministers regarding the conflict.
The Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) assembly member criticized their approach as
"completely incoherent, dysfunctional and unacceptable."
He stated in the Northern Ireland Assembly,
"They clearly prioritise party political bickering over the public good. The public just want an agreed local response.. Let's grow up and serve the public, rather than party political interest."
Executive Office Guidance
The Executive Office, a Stormont department jointly led by the first and deputy first ministers, has issued online advice for people from Northern Ireland currently in the Middle East.
The office stated that the first and deputy first ministers are
"encouraging those from here who are in the Middle East to follow the advice from official accounts"issued by the UK and Irish government foreign offices.
They have also urged individuals to register their presence in the Middle East through the appropriate online portals.
