Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has been accused of "burying his head in the sand" regarding the growing public discourse on a potential border poll on Irish unity.
Sinn Féin's Sharp Rebuke
The criticism came from Sinn Féin MP Daire Hughes on Friday 05 December 2025. He was responding directly to comments made by Mr Benn, who stated that a referendum on a united Ireland remains "a long way off". Mr Hughes countered that an "energetic debate" about a new Ireland is actively underway across the island.
The Secretary of State's Stance
Speaking on the Stormont Sources podcast earlier in the week, Hilary Benn clarified his position. He revealed he possesses just one document pertaining to a border poll: the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. The landmark 1998 peace accord grants the Secretary of State the power to call a poll if it appears likely a majority would vote for constitutional change.
"Those who drafted the Good Friday Agreement weighed every single word with enormous care," Mr Benn stated. He emphasised that the agreement does not mandate a poll by any specific date, but instead relies on the judgment of the serving Secretary of State regarding public opinion.
'A Long Way Off'
Mr Benn expressed his firm view that the condition for calling a poll is not currently met. "I am of the view that it's a long way off because no-one who is calling for a border poll can actually argue that that condition is currently met in Northern Ireland," he said. He pointed out a lack of evidence showing a majority in favour of change, concluding a vote is "certainly some years off".
He added that the immediate focus should be on making Northern Ireland the best place for its people, with ample work to be getting on with in the present.
Call for Preparatory Work
In his statement, Daire Hughes presented a contrasting reality. "While Hilary Benn may wish to bury his head in the sand, the reality is a live and energetic debate is under way on a new and united Ireland," the Sinn Féin MP asserted.
He claimed that wider sections of society are engaged in a conversation about a "stronger and fairer Ireland". Mr Hughes concluded that a responsible British government would begin collaborative planning with the Irish government to prepare for potential future constitutional change.
