Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Belfast for his first visit to Northern Ireland since winning the UK General Election. After a stop in Scotland, Starmer landed in Belfast on Sunday evening, where he will stay overnight before meeting local political leaders at Stormont on Monday.
Starmer’s Labour Party secured a historic landslide victory, winning 412 seats in the recent election, while the Conservative Party faced its worst defeat, ending with just 121 seats.
Ahead of his visit, Starmer emphasized Labour’s commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and the stability it has brought to Northern Ireland. He stated, “We must turn the page and secure investment, prosperity, and stability for future generations to come.”
Hilary Benn, the newly appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, arrived in the region on Saturday. Benn highlighted the urgency of the Casement Park project as a key issue in his agenda.
Starmer’s visit aims to address economic growth and the strengthening of public services in Northern Ireland, marking the beginning of what he calls a decade of national renewal.