Theresa May will try to reassure Northern Ireland's political leaders today that they will be kept in the loop during the complex negotiations that lie ahead as the UK leaves the European Union.
Northern Ireland was one of three regions, along with Scotland and London, to vote in favour of staying in the EU in the June referendum. They are now faced with the possibility of customs checks along their border with the Irish Republic once Brexit is completed.
But Ms May’s meeting in Belfast with Arlene Foster, the Democratic Unionist who took over in January as Northern Ireland’s First Minister, may be easier than her earlier meeting with Scotland’s leader, Nicola Sturgeon.
Though Ms Foster – like Ms Sturgeon – supported Remain, she puts a higher priority on holding the UK together than on continued EU membership. She has not challenged Ms May’s line that Brexit means Brexit.
That view is not shared by the Deputy First Minister, Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness, who will also meet Ms May during her Belfast visit. He is a lifelong believer in a reunited Ireland.
Ms May will try to convince them both that she will keep Northern Ireland’s concerns in mind during the Brexit negotiations. She will also promise to work with the Northern Ireland Executive, all local political parties and the Irish government on implementing past agreements on how to retain stability in Northern Ireland.
Speaking ahead of her visit, Ms May said: “I am delighted to be visiting Northern Ireland. I made clear when I became Prime Minister that I place particular value on the precious bonds between the nations of the United Kingdom. I want to assure the people of Northern Ireland that I will lead a Government which works for everyone, across all parts of the United Kingdom, and that Northern Ireland is a special and valued part of that union.
“I look forward to underlining the Government’s commitment to the Belfast Agreement and its institutions, and to working with local parties and the Irish Government to fully implement the Stormont House and Fresh Start Agreements. Peace and stability in Northern Ireland will always be of the highest priority for my Government.
“I have been clear that we will make a success of the UK’s departure from the European Union. That means it must work for Northern Ireland, too, including in relation to the border with the Republic. We will engage with all of Northern Ireland’s political parties as we prepare for that negotiation.”
