United Ireland referendum 'off the table' - Burnham

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that a referendum on a united Ireland is off the table during his official visit to Northern Ireland. During his meeting with Stormont political leaders, Burnham emphasized the importance of focusing on current issues such as the cost-of-living pressures and funding for public services.

He also warned that the rifts caused by referendums on Brexit and Scottish independence can take a long time to heal. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald expressed her disagreement with Burnham, reminding him of the Good Friday Agreement's provision for a referendum on Irish unity. McDonald reiterated that the commitment to the referendum is a matter of international law and cannot be disregarded.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson welcomed Burnham's comments, stating that the Prime Minister had put the speculation about a unity poll to bed. Both sides have blamed Westminster for underfunding Northern Ireland, but Burnham expressed his willingness to work with the new Northern Ireland Secretary to find solutions and ensure fairness across the UK.