Patel is facing major criticism for her remarks
Earlier this week, British Conservative MP Priti Patel suggested that the UK should use the potential of food shortages in Ireland as leverage against the backstop being introduced.
A report from the British government, detailed on Friday in the Times of London, suggested that Ireland could face worse food shortages than Britain in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
The report also suggested that Ireland would likely see a drop in GDP of up to 7%, against a figure of 5% for the United Kingdom.
As reported by The Times, Brexiteer Patel said:
“This paper appears to show the government were well aware that Ireland will face significant issues in a no-deal scenario.
“Why hasn’t this been pressed home during the negotiations? There is still time to go back to Brussels and get a better deal.”
Patel’s remarks were quickly condemned by the likes of Tánaiste Simon Coveney, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, the last of whom hitting out at “the sheer moral bankruptcy of the Brexiteers”.
Since the publication of the report, the MP has moved to both deflect criticism by suggesting that her words were taken out of context:
It is clear my comments on‘ No Deal’ have been taken out of context by some. We should go back to Brussels & get a better deal. There is still time. Let’s take back control of borders, laws & money.
— Priti Patel MP (@pritipatel) December 7, 2018
While also appearing to double down in retweeting a Change Britain post that supports her position:
Unsurprisingly, Patel’s comments have been widely criticised on social media.
Patrick Kielty, who has emerged as a pretty accurate voice of reason on these matters, weighed in with a fairly concise takedown:
Quick one for Priti Patel before she reruns the Irish Famine –
Ireland is a major importer of food from the UK.
The UK is a major importer of food from the EU.
Ireland is a member of, guess what? The EU.
If shit was wit she’d be constipated. https://t.co/r1HBCTTvVx— Patrick Kielty (@PatricKielty) December 7, 2018
Labour MP David Lammy, meanwhile, highlighted “one the most shameful episodes in British colonial history” when assessing Patel’s stance.
“The starvation of innocent Irish men, women and children was one of the most shameful episodes in British colonial history,” said Lammy.
“Priti Patel’s comments expose either extreme callousness or ignorance. Shame on her either way for throwing salt at old wounds.”
The SDLP’s Mark Durkan also had strong criticism for Patel, who blasted her assertion that she was taken out of context.
“What thought did you give to their content or context?’ he asked.
“Insulting people’s intelligence won’t redress or spin insults to identity and interests. But thanks for exhibit proof of the need for backstop and dangers without any parliamentary lock.”
No, Priti, they weren't taken out of context. What thought did you give to their content or context? Insulting people's intelligence won't redress or spin insults to identity & interests. But thanks for exhibit proof of the need for backstop & dangers with any parliamentary lock!
— Mark Durkan (@markdurkan) December 8, 2018
Patel has yet to address the matter further.
