Earlier today (Saturday) Hilary Benn who was formally installed as NI Secretary on Friday by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, met First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minster Emma Little-Pengelly at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down.
Mr Benn flew to Northern Ireland after attending Sir Keir Starmer’s first cabinet meeting this morning.
The meeting at Hillsborough was also attended by representatives from other Executive and Opposition parties.
Speaking about his first visit to Northern Ireland since becoming NI Secretary, Mr Benn said he wanted “to get to work as quickly as possible”.
““I am deeply honoured to have been appointed to the role of Secretary of State,” he said.
“I wanted to get to work as quickly as possible and was therefore pleased to be able to hold these initial discussions with the First and deputy First Ministers and representatives from the other parties.
“My immediate priorities are 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.
“I want 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.”
Mr Benn also said that the new UK Government was firmly committed to the Belfast Good Friday Agreement and to the principle of consent that is at its heart.
“We will work hard to deliver its vision for reconciliation, equality, respect for rights and parity of esteem.”
The Secretary of State said that his meeting with the First Minister and deputy First Minister was “very constructive”.
“I look forward to building on our relationship in the months ahead,” he added.
Addressing the relationship with Dublin, Mr Benn said: “As our nearest neighbour and co-guarantor of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, our relationship with Ireland is of great importance.
“The new UK Government will work closely with the Irish Government to reset and strengthen the relationship between our two countries.”
On Friday, both the First Minister and deputy First Minister spoke to Mr Starmer to congratulate him on becoming Prime Minister after the Labour Party won a landslide of 412 seats.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
