Highlights the significant presence of Irish individuals in British society through various examples including football, business, healthcare, science, literature, arts, and politics. Stresses the importance of recognising Irish heritage in modern Britain and how mutual respect can serve as a template for societal integration.

James Daly emphasised the personal and historical significance of the Irish diaspora in Britain, citing his family's experiences as examples. He noted that an estimated 6 million people in the UK have an Irish grandparent, highlighting how integral Irish culture is to British life. Daly recounted stories from his parents and grandparents about their early experiences in England, including instances of discrimination and hardship, but also celebrated the achievements of these immigrants who paved the way for future generations. He mentioned his great-uncle Gerald Paddy Slavin, a boxer and war veteran, as an example of someone who integrated successfully into British society while maintaining his Irish heritage.

The debate acknowledges the significant contribution of the Irish community to British society, particularly in economic and cultural aspects. Jon Cruddas highlighted Dagenham as an example where many Irish immigrants worked for Ford Motor Company since 1931, shaping the local community's culture and traditions. He emphasised that Irish contributions extend beyond historical contexts and continue to influence new industries in places like Dagenham, such as film production. Additionally, he addressed current issues faced by the Irish community, including mental health and dementia care.

Martin Docherty, a vice-chair of the all-party group on Ireland and the Irish in Britain, spoke about his family's Irish heritage and its complexity. He highlighted the Gaelic Athletic Association's 125 years of existence in Scotland and commended Minister Seán Fleming TD from the Dáil Eireann for visiting GAA facilities. Docherty recognised St Patrick as being born in West Dunbartonshire and discussed the industrial revolution's impact on Clydebank, including the construction of ships to transport Guinness to Glasgow. He also acknowledged the Irish diaspora's role during World War II and noted a friendship agreement between West Dunbartonshire Council and Letterkenny City Council. Additionally, he mentioned the challenges faced by the Irish Traveller community on St Patrick’s Day.

Ms. Smyth spoke about the historical and contemporary relationship between Britain and Ireland, highlighting the post-war migration of Irish people to Britain, the role of the common travel area in facilitating this movement, the challenges faced during the pandemic, the importance of women's rights in Ireland, and the significance of the Good Friday agreement. She emphasised the economic, social, and political benefits of free movement across these islands and urged both Governments to learn from the experiences of the diaspora.

Honoured the Irish contribution to Britain, highlighting historical challenges faced by Irish immigrants but also their significant impact on British society. Emphasised mutual support during times of need, such as Ukrainian refugees. Acknowledged the importance of the Good Friday agreement in fostering a strong relationship between Ireland and Britain.

Celebrated the close bond between Scotland and Ireland, highlighting shared heritage and historical ties. Discussed personal family connections to Ireland and the economic impact of Irish immigration on both countries. Acknowledged the importance of maintaining strong relations despite Brexit's impacts.

Honoured members of Irish descent, including those who were born in Ireland or have strong ties to it. Paid tribute to Jack Dromey, a former Labour colleague involved in the Grunwick dispute for migrant workers' rights. Emphasised that Ireland played a crucial role in ending colonialism and imperialism globally, noting Ireland's economic progress since independence compared to its impoverished state under British rule. Recalled her childhood in Kilburn during the era of racial tensions and discrimination towards Irish immigrants and other minorities. Highlighted an instance where an uncle protected her from racist attacks, illustrating the strength and resilience instilled by a history of fighting colonial oppression. Discussed the 'troubles' period before 1998 as a conflict with regrets from all sides due to lack of understanding and demonisation of Irish republicanism. Acknowledged the progress in relations between British authorities and Irish republican leaders but expressed concern about current political debates threatening the Northern Ireland protocol.

Celebrated the Irish heritage and influence in Scotland, highlighting personal family history. Emphasised the importance of ambition and betterment within immigrant communities. Mentioned the significant contribution of Irish workers in various industries across Britain during and after World War II. Acknowledged the Tunnel Tigers, an Irish tunnelling corps that played a crucial role in hydro schemes and infrastructure projects in Scotland and London. Highlighted the deep cultural and historical ties between Ireland and Scotland, dating back over 1,000 years.

We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and celebrate the immense contribution of the Irish diaspora to Britain. The number of Irish-born individuals in Britain is over 430,000 according to the 2011 census, while the true figure for those with at least one Irish parent or grandparent is roughly 6 million. The Irish diaspora has contributed significantly to construction, the NHS, culture, politics and business, as well as charity work.

I am proud of my Irish heritage and the immense contribution of Irish working-class communities in shaping Liverpool. The Irish community's footprint is evident across politics, art, music, humour and life spirit. Many Irish immigrants came to Liverpool during the 1840s famine, building docks and canal systems, staffing shipping lines and quaysides. They also founded institutions like the Walker Art Gallery and police service, and contributed significantly to healthcare with pioneering nurses.

Congratulated Tony Lloyd on securing the debate. Acknowledged the valuable contributions of Irish people to Britain, noting their presence in various industries across the country. Mentioned anti-Irish sentiment throughout history despite two former British Prime Ministers being born in Ireland. Emphasised the need for a positive and celebratory tone but acknowledged ongoing prejudice against the Irish Traveller community. Highlighted Dame Ninette de Valois' contributions to ballet, her legacy as the mother of English ballet, and Mary Morris's service during World War II as an example of Irish contributions to Britain.

Thanked Tony Lloyd for initiating the debate. Celebrated the long-settled Irish community in west London, noting its role in enabling integration across various cultures. Highlighted the importance of community organisations like the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith Broadway, which has been a hub for promoting and supporting Irish art and culture since its establishment in the mid-1990s. Praised the centre’s trustees, staff, and patrons, including the Irish Government’s support through ambassadors such as Adrian O’Neill. Criticised recent legislation affecting Gypsies and Travellers while highlighting positive engagement by the Irish embassy with these communities.

Ms Gibson congratulated the hon. Member for Rochdale on bringing forward a debate about the Irish in Britain. She highlighted the significant influence of Irish people on UK society, citing distinguished individuals with Irish heritage such as Daniel Day Lewis and Sean Connery. She emphasised that the UK would be very different without this contribution from Ireland. Ms Gibson also discussed emigration trends over time and personal experiences of her parents' immigration to Glasgow in the 1950s, noting their struggles and eventual success. She linked these stories to a broader narrative about Irish and Scottish independence, expressing hope for Scotland’s future based on Ireland's example.

I am delighted to be winding up the debate on behalf of the Labour party. Being Irish is something of which I am very proud and which is very important to me, and being Irish in Britain—this great country that has given me so many opportunities—adds another special and distinct layer to my identity and, I know, the identities of millions of other people. About half a million Irish-born people live in Britain. The contribution made to British life by Irish people is enormous—economically, culturally, socially, in sport and politically; and also, of course, in public service. Perhaps the last two years have shown more than ever the role of Irish people in every part of society here as we have come through the pandemic together.

I want to add my support for the hon. Member for Rochdale (Tony Lloyd) and the others who have spoken in the debate and for what they are trying to achieve. I am pleased to be supporting it through this intervention. Could I also ask a question? Would the hon. Member for St Helens North (Conor McGinn) support the request that I and others have made for the Republic of Ireland to join the Commonwealth?

Does the hon. Member agree that the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill is a direct challenge to the recognition of the profound issues faced by the Irish Traveller community? This relates not only to Irish Travellers but to Irish citizens who travel through the common travel area.

Acknowledged the contributions of Irish immigrants, including her own parents who came to Britain in the 1950s. Emphasised the cultural impact of Irish communities through county associations, traditional dancing, sports teams like Gaelic football, music scenes, and media such as The Irish Post. Discussed how modern Irish immigrants come for choice rather than necessity and contribute positively to British society. Mentioned significant contributions in art, culture, sport, and wartime efforts by the Irish community in Britain. Highlighted the Government's commitment to introducing legislation on identity and cultural expression if necessary.

Celebrated the role of the Irish diaspora in British society, noting their impact beyond personal pride and recognition. Acknowledged difficult historical challenges faced by Irish immigrants such as discrimination ('No Irish, no blacks, no dogs'). Mentioned positive cultural influences like the building of the Manchester ship canal by Irish workers. Emphasised the importance of re-establishing good relationships with Ireland for mutual benefit.