Northern Ireland Secretary in Dublin for first visit

Britain's Northern Secretary Chris Bryant embarked on his inaugural visit to Dublin today, marking the first official outing since assuming his role. Appointed by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham in July following Keir Starmer's departure, Bryant succeeded Hilary Benn in the position. The agenda of his meeting with Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee and Irish Justice Minister Jim O Callaghan is anticipated to revolve around economic expansion, security collaboration, and legacy issues.

Bryant expressed the paramount importance of the Irish-UK relationship, deeming it a cornerstone for shared security and prosperity, which has significantly flourished in recent times. He vowed to collaborate closely with his Dublin counterparts to promote joint cooperation, honor the Good Friday Agreement, and fulfill the legacy commitments under the Joint Framework.

Bryant, accompanied by Northern Ireland Minister Ruth Anderson and the UK Ambassador to Dublin Kara Owen, aims to spotlight Northern Ireland's substantial economic potential and advocate for trade and investment that would benefit both Northern Ireland and the wider islands region. This visit comes after Bryant engaged with several victim groups and British Army veterans over the past weeks to deliberate on the UK government's stance on legacy matters.

He reiterated the UK government's steadfast commitment to the UK Troubles Bill, which seeks to repeal and replace the legacy institutions instituted by the previous Conservative administration. Bryant noted his acute awareness that the bill presents the final opportunity to address legacy issues effectively and provide closure to those affected by the Troubles.

He emphasized his desire to ensure that the bill grants the maximum number of Troubles victims the answers they have long sought and earns the confidence of all those impacted, including the brave individuals who served to safeguard law and order.