Northern Ireland Secretary meets with First Minister and Deputy First Minister

The Secretary of State said his meeting with the First Minister and deputy First Minister was “very constructive”.

LAST UPDATE | 6 Jul 2024

HILLARY BENN, THE new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, met with Michelle O’Neil and Emma-Little Pengelly in Co Down today, in his first visit to the region since taking up the position. He also met with the representatives of other Stormont parties.

He said that he wanted to get to work as quickly as possible, saying that his immediate priorities were too “to establish a new relationship between the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive as we work together to foster economic growth and prosperity, and to improve public services.”

Following a phonecall with Keir Starmer, Taoiseach Simon Harris said on X, “Prime Minister Starmer and I last night spoke about a re-set in relations North/South & East/West. It is refreshing to see Hillary Benn on the ground without a moment wasted in making that happen.”

Prime Minister Starmer and I last night spoke about a re-set in relations North/South & East/West. It is refreshing to see @hilarybennmp on the ground without a moment wasted in making that happen. https://t.co/8UIrJgWxbi
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) July 6, 2024

Benn has served as Shadow Secretary for Northern Ireland since 2023, and was one of many ministers appointed during Keir Starmer’s first cabinet meeting at Downing Street this morning.

He also emphasised the new government’s commitment to the Good Friday Agreement.

“We will work hard to deliver its vision for reconciliation, equality, respect for rights and parity of esteem.”

Of particular importance to Northern parties is the future of the Northern Ireland Legacy Act, which prohibits any criminal proceedings for crimes committed in relation to the Troubles. This includes by both nationalist and unionist paramilitaries, as we as by British security forces.

Benn said tha he wanted “to ensure that we have a system in place for addressing the legacy of the past in a way that wins support from victims’ families and that all communities can have confidence in, and which is compliant with human rights.”

Starmer committed to repealing the act if he got in to power, though he has made no mention of whether or not he will carry through this promise as of yet. The new prime minister is expected to visit Northern Ireland in the coming days.

With reporting from the Press Association.