Westlife have their say on Brexit and the Irish backstop

With the Brexit deadline looming, it’s understandable that everyone has an opinion on the UK’s exit from the EU and numerous famous faces have spoken out on the matter.

Now, Westlife can be added to that list.

The band are currently enjoying a triumphant reunion tour and recently announced plans for a Wembley Stadium gig that will take place next year.

Ahead of it, the Irish foursome has given their verdict on politics with Nicky Byrne insisting that despite the debate over the backstop, “the relationship between the British and Irish people has never been better, it’s never been stronger.”

“I don’t think that’s going to change,” he insisted. “We’re kind of good friends and we’re the closest neighbours.”

Asked if the backstop will be resolved one way or another, the singer said: “It has to.”

The band, which includes, Byrne, Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Mark Feehily, are hoping their stadium concert will provide a welcome break from political fatigue.

Kian Egan said: “I think the most important thing you can do as a band, when there’s so much political uncertainty going on, is to ignore it. Forget about it.

“Westlife playing Wembley Stadium is for everyone to take their mind off that, including us.”

Shane Filan agreed: “We’ll play Wembley, the politicians will sort out that.”

Byrne suggested the headline message of Westlife would be “forget Brexit and come for a night out at Wembley Stadium”.

The planned concert will take place on August 22 next year. Tickets go on sale from September 20, 2019.

After 14 years of sell-out concerts and eight number one albums, Westlife disbanded in 2012.

In 2018, they announced their reunion - minus Bryan McFadden who had left the group in 2004 - and hit the road for the Twenty tour, which marked two decades since their formation.