Ulster Unionist Party MLA, Andy Allen, has said that British citizens saying they find the slogan “Brits Out” offensive should be reason enough for Sinn Fein to stop excusing its use.
Andy Allen MLA said:
“Sinn Fein’s nonsense response to the “Brits Out” poster on their youth wing’s stall at Queen’s Freshers Fair is evidence they know they have been caught out and their respect agenda does not flow both ways. As both a former soldier in the British Army and a British citizen, I feel the poster does nothing but cause polarisation. In 2019, this polarisation should be consigned to the past and we should be working to deliver for all our citizens.
“Using historical context as an excuse is pathetic and has no credibility. The benefit of hindsight is being able to reflect on past language and behaviours and conclude that they are no longer acceptable. If British citizens in this country are saying that they find the statement “Brits Out” offensive, why is that not reason enough for Sinn Fein to consign it to the bin where it belongs? Do they not hear how ridiculous their continued defence of it is? We all have a duty to be mindful of our messaging and language to prevent further polarisation.
“Is this Sinn Fein cherry picking the Belfast Agreement again? Did we not sign up to mutual respect and recognising the legitimacy of both the British and Irish identities? Sinn Fein don’t always need to be the party that tries to excuse the inexcusable. It’s possible to even once show a bit of humility and accept you were wrong.”