Orders of the Day — Northern Ireland (Border Poll) Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 21 November 1972.

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Photo of Mr James Wellbeloved Mr James Wellbeloved , Erith and Crayford 12:00, 21 November 1972

The future composition of the United Kingdom is not a matter that can be decided by a majority in Northern Ireland. That issue can be decided only by the British people as a whole. I hope that that is clear to the hon. and gallant Gentleman and that it will be clear to all in Northern Ireland too. It is not they who, in the long run, will decide whether the present boun- daries of the realm are to continue as they are now. That matter will be decided by us, by the British people as a whole.