PM Committed To Restoring Devolution

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will "do everything he can" to restore devolved government in Northern Ireland, Downing Street has stated.

While at Stormont to meet with the five main parties on Wednesday, Mr Johnson called for a serious and intense engagement to resolve the two-and-a-half year stalemate.

The Conservative party leader also offered assurances regarding the integrity of the union, the UK's commitment to the Belfast-Good Friday Agreement and addressed support for under-threat companies Harland & Wolff and Wrightbus.

"The overarching purpose of these meetings was to discuss moving forward in the ongoing power sharing talks and getting the Northern Irish democratic institutions back up and running as soon as possible," a Downing Street spokesperson said.

"The Prime Minister told all of the parties that he was determined to bring this process to a successful conclusion and that he would do everything he could to make it happen."

On Brexit, Mr Johnson told the parties the UK will exit the EU on 31 October "come what may", but restated his intention to do so with a deal. He said that in all scenarios, the Government is steadfast in its commitment to the Belfast-Good Friday Agreement and that in no circumstances would there be physical checks or infrastructure on the border.

The Prime Minister reinforced his belief and commitment in the rigorous impartiality set out in the Belfast-Good Friday Agreement, while at the same time reaffirming his determination to strengthen the Union and Northern Ireland's place within it.

The parties also discussed what the UK Government could do to support Harland & Wolff and Wrightbus.

It comes as unions have said the iconic Belfast shipyard is at risk of closure after its parent company ran into serious financial problems. Shipyard workers are calling for Westminster to renationalise the crisis-hit manufacturing business. Ballymena bus manufacturer Wrightbus also faces uncertainty as it seeks an investor due to ongoing cash flow problems.

The morning of meetings took place to a back drop of "Save our Shipyard" protests, while other groups gathered to demand action over the Irish language, Brexit and legacy.



(JG/CM)