Former Northern Ireland secretary laments ‘pain’ caused by comments made as minister

A senior Conservative MP has expressed regret at the “damage” caused by her words while serving as secretary for Northern Ireland.

Karen Bradley spent 18 months in office, but faced criticism after saying she was unaware that Nationalists in Northern Ireland did not vote for unionist parties before taking office.

She was also forced to apologize to the UK Parliament for saying that the deaths caused by police and soldiers during the riots were not crimes.

Ms Bradley was replaced in July 2019 by Julian Smith, who in turn was replaced in February this year.

Current Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis made headlines earlier this month after admitting that a key piece of Brexit law would “violate international law” in a “very specific and limited way.”

The UK internal market bill seeks to nullify elements of the UK’s Brexit deal with Brussels in relation to Northern Ireland, in an attempt to protect trade deals.

“Undecided”

Speaking as MPs considered amendments to the bill, Ms. Bradley emphasized the importance of language, while explaining why she was “undecided” on how she would vote.

She told the British Parliament: “I know more than many how important language is in Northern Ireland.

“I have said things, I have spoken badly and I have made disposable comments and I have regretted them greatly.

And the reason I regret so much is because they hurt people.

“People who have been through more injuries than any of us could imagine were hurt by the words I spoke.

“And I regret that point more than anything I have done in my political career.

“I have a lot to be proud of, but I am sorry I hurt people, and that language is very important.

“So, I can urge everyone in this chamber, from the front, from the front of the opposition, and from everyone to remember the language we use because our friends and allies are listening to what we say.

“And they are not listening to the complexities of Amendment 64 or the new clause three, they really don’t know or care.

What you hear is that headline, you hear us say that we are going to violate international law and that we are prepared to do so, and that is really powerful.

Expressing concern about certain sections of the bill, Ms Bradley also said: “The government should not ask MPs to vote for an illegal law as a bargaining tactic.

“This part (five) should be in a separate bill, if these clauses are needed, and it should be discussed separately. It shouldn’t be polluting what is otherwise good and necessary law. And all possible measures should be taken to avoid the need for these clauses.

“So, I tell the minister that today I am undecided as to which direction I will vote tonight because I respect that the government has moved and has committed, and I understand that it is something difficult for governments to do.

“But I ask the minister to give me clarity: if I go through the lobbies today, am I breaking the law? If I go through the lobbies today, will the law be broken as a result of me doing this? “