British Prime Minister Andy Burnham ruled out a referendum on Irish unity during his first visit to Northern Ireland since taking office, drawing sharp criticism from Sinn Fein. The decision, announced in Belfast, has reignited tensions over the region’s constitutional status, which remains deeply divided nearly three decades after the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement. Burnham emphasized that the issue was “off the table,” a stance that has sparked a political row among local leaders. Sinn Fein, a pro-union party, condemned the move as a betrayal of the peace process and a refusal to address the aspirations of Northern Ireland’s majority. The visit, which included meetings with local officials, highlights the ongoing challenges in resolving the region’s complex political landscape. Burnham’s position underscores the delicate balance between maintaining stability and addressing the concerns of both unionist and nationalist communities.