Rishi Sunak: PM says he's "committed" to restoring Executive

Rishi Sunak has said he is working "flat out" to try and restore the Stormont Executive.

The Prime Minister was speaking during a visit to Belfast during which he met Northern Ireland's main party leaders.

Mr Sunak said: "I am really committed to resolving some of the issues with the (Northern Ireland) protocol, protecting Northern Ireland's place in the union, in the United Kingdom, and in doing so, restoring the Executive.

"That is what the people in Northern Ireland need and deserve and that is what I am working flat out to try and deliver.

"I have not put a strict deadline on the talks (between the Government and the EU) and I don't want to raise people's expectations of an imminent breakthrough.

"What I can tell you is I am very committed to resolving this issue.

"The Foreign Secretary met with his counterpart just this week, talks are ongoing and I will work as hard and as fast as I can to find a resolution to the issues with the protocol.

"I want to do that as soon as practically possible."

And in response to a question about next year's 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, Mr Sunak said: "I am really committed to resolving some of the issues with the Protocol and protecting Northern Ireland's place in the union and the United Kingdom and in doing so restore the Executive.

"I think that's what the people of Northern Ireland need and deserve."