Sir Keir Starmer has met the North of Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly as he continues his tour of the UK.
The Prime Minister is visiting Belfast following his trip to Scotland on Sunday, and will also visit Wales to round off a visit to the three devolved nations.
He arrived at Stormont Castle early on Monday as he begins his first full week in office, ahead of travelling to the Nato summit in Washington on Tuesday.
Ms O’Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly greeted Sir Keir and new Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn at the castle entrance before they held a meeting inside. Ms O’Neill congratulated him on his electoral success and they discussed Westminster and Stormont parliamentary schedules.
After half an hour with Stormont’s leaders, the new Prime Minister then moved on to Parliament Buildings, where he was greeted at the foot of the landmark steps by Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots.
He held talks with representatives from the main Stormont parties.
Foyle MP and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood described the recent General Election landslide result as a “new dawn” and that Sir Keir Starmer knew the issues facing the North before they raised them.
He is likely to face questions about funding for cash-strapped public services in the North of Ireland as well as coming under pressure from Ms O’Neill to commit to funding the redevelopment of the Casement Park stadium, which has been earmarked to host Euro 2028 matches.
He is also likely to be asked about delivering on his party’s manifesto pledge to repeal the controversial Legacy Act.
Following his visit to the North of Ireland, the Prime Minister is heading to Cardiff in Wales.
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