A British MP quoted Irish revolutionary hero Michael Collins in the House of Commons during a debate over Brexit.
With the UK currently deciding how it intends to leave the European Union, pro Brexit MP Owen Paterson appeared to draw parallels with Ireland’s struggle for independence from the UK.
He mentioned the Anglo-Irish Treaty that Collins negotiated in 1921.
Paterson said: “It is worth looking at the example of the Republic of Ireland, which emerged from the Irish Free State.
“Michael Collins, in the Dáil Éireann on 19 December 1921 said something that pretty reflects my views this evening.”
He then followed up with one of Collins’ most famous quotes;
“Now as one of the signatories of the [1921 Treaty] document I naturally recommend its acceptance. I do not recommend it for more than it is.
“Equally I do not recommend it for less than it is. In my opinion it gives us freedom, not the ultimate freedom that all nations desire and develop to, but the freedom to achieve it.”
Paterson argued that Britain has now found itself in a similar situation as it debate’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit Deal.
He said: “This Bill does begin the process of establishing a freedom so that we can get our full freedom.”
Take a look at the video below.
Well, this is slightly unexpected: Owen Paterson MP arguing in favour of Boris Johnson's withdrawal bill by quoting… *checks notes* Michael Collins arguing in favour of the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty pic.twitter.com/0Hx5AgkuBB
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) October 22, 2019