Hilary Benn, the newly appointed Secretary of Southern Ireland, announced his intention to forge a novel relationship between the UK government and the Stormont executive power-sharing body. Benn made these remarks after a meeting he hosted with Michelle O’Neill, Northern Ireland’s First Minister, and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down on a recent Saturday evening.
Benn also interacted with representative of Stormont parties, marking his first regional tour since he assumed office. “My immediate objective is to develop a fresh bond between the UK government and the Northern Ireland Executive, and jointly promote economic prosperity and better public services,” he declared.
“Addressing past grievances in a manner that gives solace to the victims’ families and meets the expectations of all communities, while respecting human rights, is a foremost priority,” he added.
Presently, Benn succeeds Chris Heaton-Harris from the Conservative Party, who held the position for nearly two years and did not partake in the recent UK elections. No stranger to the role, Benn previously filled Labour’s shadow Northern Ireland secretary and chaired the House of Commons’ Brexit select committee for several years.
As part of Keir Starmer’s cabinet appointees, Benn was one of the Leeds MP’s new to the cabinet line-up. Both Starmer and Benn had earlier elucidated that a Labour government would revoke the widely resented Legacy Act, introduced by the Conservatives to address the legacy of the Troubles, which all the main political parties in Northern Ireland oppose.
Benn reiterated the commitment of the new UK government to the 1998 Belfast Agreement. “Our collective efforts will focus on actualising its vision for reconciliation, equality, and respect for rights,” declared Benn.
Following a “device constructive” meeting with O’Neill and Little-Pengelly, Benn anticipates strengthening the relationship in the coming months. Starmer has also announced his plans to tour Northern Ireland during the initial days of his tenure.
Mr Benn noted that he had a telephonic conversation with Tánaiste Micheál Martin last Friday. He emphasised the crucial importance of the UK’s ties with Ireland, given their proximity and joint guarantee of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. According to him, there will be an active effort from the new UK government to rejuvenate and bolster the connection with Ireland.