Sinn Féin’s Seanad Leader Niall Ó Donnghaile has welcomed a change in the British government’s immigration rules in line with what was agreed in the ‘New Decade – New Approach’ deal and the campaign raised by Emma and Jake DeSouza.   

Seanadóir Ó Donnghaile said:

“Today’s change in the British government’s immigration law is a victory for the steadfast and courageous campaign fought by Emma and Jake DeSouza. 

“It’s totally wrong and completely unacceptable that Emma was put through so much trauma because she simply sought to assert her right to identify and be accepted solely as an Irish citizen. 

“These changes are an outworking of the ‘New Decade New Approach’ deal and clearly demonstrate the distinct political, historic and societal differences that exist here – the very reason we have the Good Friday Agreement in the first place.  

“There is still much concern with the time-limited nature of these changes given that they only run until the end of the Brexit transition period, and more broadly with the British government’s continued failure to address the Good Friday Agreement’s citizenship and identity rights. 

“I have been proud to stand with Emma and Jake throughout their campaign; as I have said many times before, their stand is a stand for us all. Today will be a good day for all the families who will benefit from these changes.  

“The definitive and ultimate resolution to the issues raised in Emma and Jake’s case is respect for, adherence to and the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.”