Rishi Sunak has heaped pressure on the DUP to restore powersharing in Northern Ireland as he warned failure to act risks harming the Union. In a speech in Belfast marking the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, the Prime Minister insisted getting Stormont running again was the “right thing” to do.
Mr Sunak praised the “courage, imagination and perseverance” of those who negotiated the deal.
And he promised to emulate their efforts by “giving everything” to maintain the settlement.
His remarks came after former US president Bill Clinton and Irish premier Leo Varadkar also urged a return to devolution as they addressed the conference gathering.
Mr Sunak made a direct appeal at Queen’s University to unionists blocking the institutions in Belfast.
The DUP is using a veto contained within the powersharing structures to stop devolution operating.
It is in protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements the party contends have weakened the province’s place within the UK.
Mr Sunak insists the new Windsor Framework deal he recently struck with the EU has addressed the DUP concerns over sovereignty and trade.
However, the DUP remains unconvinced and is urging the Government to provide more assurances.
Addressing unionist political representatives, Mr Sunak said: “I urge you to work with us to get Stormont up and running again. I’m a proud unionist.
“We passionately believe Northern Ireland is stronger within the United Kingdom, and the United Kingdom is stronger with Northern Ireland within it.
“But we must also build support beyond those of us who already identify as unionists.
“We have to show devolved government within the United Kingdom works for Northern Ireland.”
But the PM also warned: “The fact the institutions have been down for nine of the last 25 years should be a source of profound concern.”
Mr Sunak said “inspiration and instruction” should be taken from the way peace was achieved 25 years ago.
He added: “We can fulfil the true promise enshrined in that agreement. The promise of stable, devolved government, a prosperous economy and a more united society.
“That’s the future for Northern Ireland we must build.”
Referring to the powersharing impasse, Mr Clinton said it was time to “get this show on the road”.
And Mr Varadkar encouraged Northern Ireland’s leaders to take the initiative.
The Irish Taoiseach said the Good Friday Agreement was about defying historical expectations. He added: “We need that kind of leadership still.”
The final day of the conference at Queen’s University also heard from European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton.
Ms von der Leyen praised improving relations with the UK as she called the deal on post-Brexit trade as a “new beginning for old friends”.
The event was attended by political figures from across the world, including Sir Tony Blair, ex-Irish premier Bertie Ahern and former US senator George Mitchell.
Mr Sunak later hosted a gala dinner at Hillsborough attended by predecessors Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.
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