Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has criticised Sinn Fein for once again using European Parliament procedures to refer to Northern Ireland as “the north of Ireland”.

As MEPs voted on the 2018 work programme for the European Commission, Mr Nicholson took the floor to point out that two amendments from Sinn Fein’s group erroneously referred to “the north of Ireland”. The amendments were rejected by a large majority.

Speaking after the vote, Mr Nicholson also pointed out the irony of Sinn Fein seeking “special status” for a region they refuse to call by its proper, legal name.

Mr Nicholson said:

“Once again, Sinn Fein and their communist colleagues in the European Parliament have tried to use official procedures to promote a narrative suggesting Northern Ireland is not a legitimate jurisdiction.

“There is no such legal or political entity called “the north of Ireland”. This is not an ambiguous or contentious issue - it is a simple matter of fact.

“They say they want “special status”, but they cannot even say the name of the region they want this special status for. MEPs from across the house are now well aware of this, and the amendment was roundly rejected.

“It is clear for all to see that Sinn Fein’s concern is not the economic wellbeing of the people of Northern Ireland, rather it is about trying to use the European Parliament as a platform for anti-UK posturing.

“My intervention today was well received by colleagues across political groups and I will be pursuing this issue with the President of the Parliament.”

ENDS

VIDEO: Jim Nicholson MEP makes a point of order on the amendments in the European Parliament: https://twitter.com/JNicholsonMEP/status/882606068093865984

Below, amendments to European Parliament motion on the 2018 Commission Work programme.

Amendment 19; 2c.    Calls for the 2018 Budget to include specific support measures for the regions that will be impacted the most by Brexit, including funding that will consolidate and advance the peace process in the North of Ireland;

Amendment 20; 2d.    Insists that the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements be fully upheld in the withdrawal agreement; calls for the North of Ireland to be designated with a special status within the EU which ensures it maintains access to EU membership, the Customs Union, the Single Market and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice; calls, furthermore, for the freedom of movement of goods, people and services on the island of Ireland;