NI Election 2022: SoS to meet main party leaders
Brandon Lewis, is set to meet Northern Ireland's five main party leaders later today (Monday) following the Stormont Assembly election.
Over the course of the day, the NI Secretary of State will meet Michelle O’Neill, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Naomi Long, Doug Beattie, and Colum Eastwood "to encourage them to restore the devolved institutions and to encourage the parties to form an Executive as soon as possible."
Speaking ahead of his meetings later today, Mr Lewis said:
“The people of Northern Ireland deserve a stable and accountable devolved government and I will continue to urge the leaders of Northern Ireland political parties to fulfil their responsibilities and form an Executive as soon as possible.
“This process must begin with the nomination of an Assembly Speaker to allow legislation to progress and address the important issues affecting the people of Northern Ireland.
“We have to address the outstanding issues relating to the Northern Ireland Protocol, and we want to do that by agreement with the EU, but as we have always made clear, we will not shy away from taking further steps if necessary. However, the people of Northern Ireland need a stable and accountable government that delivers on the issues that are important to them. That is why we urge the parties to come together and form an Executive.
“I will remain in close contact with the party leaders but it is for the parties to agree on a way forward. New Decade New Approach specifically introduced measures to support a process led by the parties. This is in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland and I urge the Northern Ireland parties to work together towards a brighter future.”
Following these meetings, the Secretary of State will also have a call with Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney to discuss the results of the Northern Ireland Assembly elections and the importance of the Northern Ireland parties forming a fully functioning Executive as soon as possible.