Downing Street Declaration facts for kids
The Downing Street Declaration was a very important agreement. It was signed on December 15, 1993. The leaders of the United Kingdom and Ireland made this agreement. They met at the British Prime Minister's office in London. This declaration was a big step towards peace in Northern Ireland.
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What Was the Downing Street Declaration?
The Downing Street Declaration was a joint statement. It was signed by John Major, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. It was also signed by Albert Reynolds, the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland. They both agreed on key ideas for peace.
Key Ideas of the Declaration
The declaration had two main points.
- First, it said that people in Ireland have the right to decide their own future. This is called self-determination.
- Second, it stated that Northern Ireland would only join the Republic of Ireland if most people in Northern Ireland wanted it. This is known as the principle of consent. It means people must agree to big changes.
The declaration also said that people on the whole island of Ireland had the right to solve their issues together. This was a very important idea. It helped groups who had used violence to start thinking about peace talks.
Steps Towards Peace
The declaration promised that both governments would work for a peaceful solution. It also said that political groups linked to armed groups could join the talks. This was allowed if they stopped using violence. A group called Sinn Féin was one of these.
After the declaration, important meetings happened. Gerry Adams, the leader of Sinn Féin, met with an American politician. Then, Adams and John Hume made a joint statement. These steps helped to bring about a big change.
On August 31, 1994, a group called the Provisional Irish Republican Army announced a ceasefire. This meant they would stop fighting. Another group, the Combined Loyalist Military Command, also announced a ceasefire on October 13. These ceasefires were a direct result of the hope the Downing Street Declaration offered.
See also
- Principle of consent
