UK – PM to visit Northern Ireland: 25 July 2016

The Prime Minister Theresa May will travel to Belfast today to meet Northern Ireland’s First and deputy First Ministers.

Following similar meetings in Edinburgh and Cardiff, the PM will emphasise her strong, personal commitment to serving all the people of the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister will also affirm that her government will continue to work with the Northern Ireland Executive, all local political parties and the Irish government to ensure implementation of the Stormont House and Fresh Start Agreements, delivering stability in Northern Ireland.

The Prime Minister will make clear that the government will engage fully with the Northern Ireland Executive as it prepares the negotiations on the UK’s exit from the European Union, recognising the particular circumstances that affect Northern Ireland – including around the border with the Republic of Ireland.

Speaking ahead of her visit, the Prime Minister said:

I am delighted to be visiting Northern Ireland. I made clear when I became Prime Minister that I place particular value on the precious bonds between the nations of the United Kingdom. I want to assure the people of Northern Ireland that I will lead a government which works for everyone across all parts of the United Kingdom, and that Northern Ireland is a special and valued part of that union.

I look forward to underlining the government’s commitment to the Belfast Agreement and its institutions, and to working with local parties and the Irish government to fully implement the Stormont House and Fresh Start Agreements. Peace and stability in Northern Ireland will always be of the highest priority for my Government.

I have been clear that we will make a success of the UK’s departure from the European Union. That means it must work for Northern Ireland too, including in relation to the border with the Republic. We will engage with all of Northern Ireland’s political parties as we prepare for that negotiation.