Karen Bradley Appointed New Secretary Of State

Culture Secretary Karen Bradley has been appointed the new Secretary of State.

She has taken up the post after James Brokenshire stood down due to health reasons.

Mrs Bradley has been the MP for Staffordshire Moorlands since May 2010.

She also became Home Office Minister in 2014.

In her first statement she said: "Clearly, there are immediate challenges. It is now a year since Northern Ireland has had an effective, functioning power-sharing administration, and forming a Northern Ireland Executive, to deliver for the benefit of all, is my top priority.

"I believe a devolved government in Belfast is best placed to address these issues and take the key decisions which affect people's day to day lives – whether these relate to the economy, public services or issues of policing and justice.

"We must also continue the work to deliver a Brexit that recognises Northern Ireland's unique circumstances and avoids a hard border on the island of Ireland while maintaining the economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom.

"Alongside these issues, I am conscious of the need to establish a stronger economy and a shared society, to address the legacy of the past and to keep people safe and secure."

(CD/JP)