In his first media briefing in Belfast since assuming the role, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland underscored his government’s resolve to revive relations between London and Dublin. Hilary Benn conveyed that UK, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is absolutely committed to forging a fresh liaison with the Irish authorities and ensures the success of the power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland.
Mr Starmer is scheduled to journey to the North for consultations on Sunday night. Mr Benn, who was chosen for this role in the wake of Labour’s sweeping victory in the UK’s recent general elections, participated in constructive and optimistic talks with First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and other political luminaries on Saturday.
The Northern Ireland Secretary also conversed with Tánaiste, Micheál Martin via phone call on Friday, characterised as ‘warm’ by sources. It’s believed that they will soon be organising a face-to-face meeting. On Sunday morning, Mr Benn mingled with merchants and stall owners at St George’s Market in Belfast before fielding inquiries from journalists.
Covering various key agendas for the new administration, Mr Benn emphasised that the urgent priority was rehabilitating Casement Park, a GAA stadium in west Belfast. He maintained that irrespective of the timing for ‘the Euros’, Casement Park would surely be restored.
In relation to the contentious Troubles Legacy Act, which Labour has affirmed to ‘revoke and substitute’, the Northern Secretary recognised resistance to it within Northern Ireland. He noted that the amnesty clause has been disengaged following a High Court verdict. But, he hinted at the ongoing work of the ICRIR (the investigative body established by the legislation), affirming that it was ‘now operational’ but needed to illustrate its capacity to provide answers to the victims’ relatives.
Mr. Benn stated that he intends to review the governance associated with the commission due to the conditions in which the Legacy Act was established. He queried whether it was sensible to entirely dismiss the commission, however, he believed it would not be beneficial.
He expressed his dedication to collaborate with all political factions and the Irish Government, due to the interstate event. He demonstrated enthusiasm to discover a viable path forward that can garner increased backing. He admitted that though it’s unlikely everyone will be in favour of pending decisions, presently, there’s no level of support at all. Mr Benn stated that revitalising this support was a crucial task they intended to tackle posthaste.
Upon inquiring about the possibility of a Border poll, Mr Benn communicated that the stipulated criteria in the Belfast Agreement were explicit and he found no proof to suggest that the condition has been satisfied. He maintained that he would not stipulate additional criteria as the current agreement was self-explanatory.
With this understanding, Mr Benn believes the proposition is rather unlikely at this point due to the prevalent sentiments he has noted in Northern Ireland.