Brexit an ‘opportunity’ for Irish nationalists, says George Galloway

Britain's "Brexit difficulty" is "Ireland's opportunity", the former British MP George Galloway has told an audience in Derry.

The left-wing politician was speaking at an event as part of the Gasyard Féile in the Bogside area of the city on Wednesday evening.

“What the Irish people do about Brexit is entirely your business, in the same way as whether Britain leaves the EU is entirely our business,” Mr Galloway said.

“I have supported Irish unity all of my life, and if it is the case that the majority of the people of the six counties want to remain in the EU then they have an opportunity to do so by reuniting the country.

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“I hope they will take that opportunity.”

The outspoken MP, who was expelled from the British Labour Party over his statements opposing Britain’s involvement in the Iraq War, said he had long been opposed to the EU, but that he understood why the majority of people in the North had wanted to remain.

“I can see why you are for it,” he said.

“Ireland has undoubtedly been a beneficiary of membership of the European Union in a way Britain has not. This can be a potential driver of Irish unity.”

Mr Galloway, who was greeted with cheers and applause by the 500-strong crowd, said he believed Jeremy Corbyn would be Britain's next prime minister.

“It’s a joy for me that a comrade of mine is now Labour leader.

“Nobody believes the western political classes anymore. They bankrupted their own credibility with their lies over the Iraq War. That’s what’s to blame for Trump, for Brexit.

“But I believe that big changes are coming. Jeremy Corbyn is the most authentic political leader ever in Britain. He can be trusted.

"I don't believe the Tories intend to go into the next election with the robot, the Dalek Theresa May in charge.

“They’re bound to replace her, and probably quite soon. I firmly believe Jeremy Corbyn will be the next prime minister.”