Northern Ireland

Somme commemorations

Today I represented the British Government at the annual Somme commemoration in France, attending commemoration services at Thiepval and the Ulster Tower and laying wreaths in memory of those who lost...

Published 01/07/2008

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President Bush's visit to Northern Ireland

President George W Bush today visited Belfast – an event which signals a strong vote of confidence in Northern Ireland.
This is a really important visit by the President. The US has been hugely
instrumental...

Published 16/06/2008

Prime Minister welcomes new First Minister and Deputy First Minister to Downing Street

The new First Minister Peter Robinson and the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have been invited to Downing Street.
Following the successful nominations of Peter and Martin by the DUP and Sinn...

Published 05/06/2008

No support in mainstream society for attacks on PSNI Officers

Today I condemned the attack on an off-duty police officer in County Tyrone.
The contrast between the PSNI officer, dedicated to serving the community, and those with no politics, no support and no...

Published 12/05/2008

Sexual Offences Order laid in Parliament

Tough new legislation to tighten the law in relation to sexual offences will be extended to Northern Ireland.
Those found guilty of sexual activity involving a child under 13 will face the prospect...

Published 06/05/2008

IMC Report into Decomissioning highlights the Progress being made

The Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) has released its 18th report giving its assessment of paramilitary activity, and the level of arms decommissioning. Northern Ireland has been transformed...

Published 01/05/2008

Protecting Northern Ireland's Community Halls

Last year in Northern Ireland there was a sharp increase in the number of reported attacks on community halls which has rightly been condemned by all political parties. Whereas this year we have seen...

Published 22/04/2008

Leadership and relationships are the cornerstone of a new Northern Ireland

The British-Irish relationship is today stronger than ever. This is in no small way a reflection of the huge strides made in Northern Ireland which arose from the strength and courage of leaders in...

Published 04/04/2008

A tribute to Berie Ahern

Bertie Ahern, Taoiseach since June 1997, has today announced that he will step down from office on May 6th this year.
Bertie Ahern will be hugely missed. He was a major architect of the peace process...

Published 02/04/2008

Her Majesty The Queen pays historic visit to Northern Ireland

Her Majesty the Queen has paid an historic visit to Northern Ireland and to Armagh where she took part in the annual Maundy service at St Patrick’s Cathedral. This is the first occasion that the annual...

Published 20/03/2008