British Ambassador highlights challenge of upcoming Brexit referendum

The British Ambassador to Ireland, Dominick Chilcott has warned that the result of the upcoming Brexit referendum appears to be on a “knife-edge” and that the cultural, economic and familial ties between both Britain and Ireland would be affected in the event of Britain leaving the EU.

“Three months away from the referendum, it is far too soon to know what the result will be. But it appears to be a on a knife-edge,” said Ambassador Chilcott.

“Our cultural, economic and familial ties would of course not be severed in the event of Britain’s departure from the EU but they would be clearly affected. The risks are hard to quantify but they are clear and serious,” he added.

Ambassador Chilcott was addressing an audience, as part of the Dublin City University 2016 Centenary Commemorations at St. Patrick’s Campus, Drumcondra on Tuesday night (March 29th). The strong economic performances of both States were highlighted and that economic success for one State had a mutually beneficial impact for the other, particularly in light of closer co-operation between both government administrations.

Reference was also made to the strong trade links between both countries with over 44% of all Irish indigenous exports going to the UK.

“Our two economies are growing strongly and more closely together. Economic success for one of us has helped the other. Our economic fortunes appear intertwined. It is not a stretch to say that these days we sink or swim together. Happily we are both now swimming strongly.”

In a wide ranging Inaugural Ambassadorial lecture organised in conjunction with Dublin City Council, Ambassador Chilcott acknowledged the desire of the British government to remain a member state of a reformed EU, but that it was important to respect the views of the British people by holding a referendum on membership.

“The British Government is not neutral on the referendum. It supports the case for the UK’s remaining a member state of a reformed EU on the basis of the four baskets of changes agreed at the European Council meeting on February 18th and 19th,” said Ambassador Chilcott.

The Ambassador noted the long-standing relationship between both Ireland and the UK and highlighted the contemporary friendship and co-operation and “mutual respect” that the UK and Ireland now show to one another.

He also acknowledged the Easter Rising commemorations, describing them as “spectacular”. “It was a privilege to stand in a place of honour, side by side with senior members of the Irish establishment, in front of the GPO on Sunday, commemorating Ireland’s road to independence and celebrating the achievements of the Republic.”

Speaking about the Inaugural Ambassadorial Lecture Series President of DCU, Brian MacCraith said: “The Ambassadorial Lecture Series is a joint initiative of Dublin City Council and Dublin City University and we are delighted that the inaugural lecture was delivered by the British Ambassador to Ireland, Dominick Chilcott. Ambassador Chilcott’s reflections on the deep ties that bind Ireland and Great Britain, through the shared experiences of our people, politics, commerce, sport and culture, sets the bar very high for the Lecture Series, which will be run now as an annual event, and was particularly timely in the context of our 1916 Centenary commemorations.”

Click to read a full copy of the Ambassador's Lecture