#QUBCorbyn - Jeremy Corbyn Public Lecture at Queen's University Belfast
The Right Honourable Jeremy Corbyn MP entered Queen’s University Belfast’s Whitla Hall to a standing ovation and thunderous applause from a 1,000+ audience. This is Mr Corbyn’s first major speaking engagement in Northern Ireland, and his first visit to Northern Ireland as leader of the Labour Party.
Mr Corbyn’s public lecture here at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) comes as the latest politician to speak at the University. In his speech he called on both Stormont and Westminster parties, British and Irish Governments, and UK and EU Brexit negotiators to revive the “spirit of the Good Friday agreement to deliver economic justice and prosperity in Northern Ireland”
Queen’s University Belfast Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Richard English welcomed Mr Corbyn saying that “Queens is committed to hosting major public events” with a “unique opportunity to open debate and discussion on key political issues”, he goes onto encourage everyone watching the livestream at home or attendees at the days event to use the hashtag “#QUBCorbyn” to continue the debate.
Stepping up to the podium Mr Corbyn knew he had the audience on his side following the welcome he received earlier that morning. Before commencing his speech, he thanks Queen’s University Belfast for inviting him, noting the countless notable alumni.
“Twenty years ago this week, the people of both Northern Ireland and of the Republic of Ireland voted in a referendum to accept the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. That vote changed the course of history on this island and represented the clearing of the final hurdle of a long and difficult process that opened the door to two decades of sustained peace.”
He went onto highlight how the Good Friday Agreement set a pathway on how to resolve conflict around the globe. He recounted on his experience visiting Northern Ireland before the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 and how the transformation in Belfast alone is remarkable: “I visited this city long before today’s peace became a reality and have witnessed the very visible and cultural transformation that has taken place here”.
A poignant moment, that the audience clearly strongly agreed with, was Mr Corbyn’s nod towards Mo Mowlam:
“there is another person I also want to give special mention of today, somebody who, when remembering the anniversary of the Belfast agreement, is not always given the accolades she deserves. That is Mo Mowlam. Mo’s determination was vital in securing a lasting peace; her role, indispensable in bringing people together.
“Only a few months ago I read an article by Mo’s stepdaughter Henrietta Morton, who expressed concern that Mo’s role was often downplayed. So on behalf of the Labour party, I want to make clear we will never forget Mo’s contribution, and neither, I think, will the people of Belfast or Dublin.”
The leader of the British Labour Party called on Stormont to deliver marriage equality which resulted in a loud cheer and applause from the entire audience.
Mr Corbyn also reflected on pressing issues surrounding Brexit, including the concern of a hard border. He emphasised his support to stopping any potential of a hard border, and his hopes for building a good, new, relationship with the single market.
He concluded his speech with a commitment on behalf of the British Labour Party “to deliver peace and greater prosperity. I hope to use this visit to talk to people from different communities and listen to their concerns and hopes for the future. We are here to celebrate twenty years of peace, twenty years as an example to the rest of the world of how communities can turn conflict into co-operation”.
“Let’s work together in the spirit of friendship, co-operation and hope for another twenty and beyond.”
Mr Corbyn’s speech comes at a pivotal time for Northern Irish politics and provided a very uplifting vocal voice of support for the country – regardless of individuals political beliefs.
Here are some more tweets and key moments from people at today’s event:
By Scott Duffield