Tag: Downing Street

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 21 April 2023.

The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 April 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in Belfast today.

The leaders discussed their common goal of ensuring power sharing returns to Stormont as soon as possible.

They reflected on the huge achievements of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and the enduring spirit of cooperation that it had created. They agreed to maintain close dialogue on issues like dealing with the legacy of the past.

They both agreed on the huge economic potential of the people of Northern Ireland and the Prime Minister outlined the UK Government’s work to increase investment in Northern Ireland.

Reflecting on the strong ties between the UK and Ireland, the Prime Minister said that our countries share many interests and values. He expressed his hope that we will be able to deepen collaboration on shared challenges such as energy security, cyber security and sustainability.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 April 2023.

The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement left us an extraordinary and precious legacy, the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will say today.

The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement left us an extraordinary and precious legacy, the Prime Minister will say today in Belfast (Wednesday 19 April).

He will return to Northern Ireland to address Queen’s University’s ‘Agreement 25’ conference and host a special Gala Dinner to commemorate the anniversary.

As part of the closing address to an audience of architects of the Agreement and global figures, the Prime Minister will say the best way to fulfil the promise of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement is to make good on our commitment to create jobs and opportunities for young people so they can fulfil their dreams and aspirations in the place they call home.

He will say:

Together we must fulfil the true promise of the 1998 Agreement…

That future enshrined in the very words of the text – of “sustained economic growth”, and where we tackle the problems of “a divided society”.

And I will give everything to help deliver that vision.

The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement promised prosperity and a more integrated society and we have work to do to deliver on that promise.

Praise will be given to the contribution of both peace makers and the security forces who played a leading role to secure the stability we have now.

He will highlight their courage despite daily threats to them and their families – as well as the imagination and perseverance of the leaders to conceive of a system for sharing power and deliver it against the odds.

In a tribute to those who built the Agreement, the PM will reflect on an extraordinary political achievement and say:

Courage, imagination, and perseverance.

Those qualities brought an imperfect but enduring peace to a place taught to believe no such peace was possible.

To all those who led us to that peace, including those here in this hall and those no longer with us – let us take this moment to say to you: thank you.

The Prime Minister will argue that we can also fulfil the Agreement’s true legacy of a better future for Northern Ireland – with a prosperous economy and a more united and contented society.

Northern Ireland has made significant economic progress in the last 25 years. In April 1998, Northern Ireland had the highest unemployment in the UK at 8.4%, and now it is the second lowest at 2.4%.

He will reaffirm his ambition for Northern Ireland to attract greater investment and highlight its thriving cyber and life sciences sector – as well as its financial services and creative industries. He will say:

I know that journey to prosperity won’t be easy – and we aren’t there yet.

But this is my commitment to you:

I will use the full force of the UK Government to help you make this one of the best places in the world to start and grow a business, create jobs, train and learn new skills, and attract investment.

The Prime Minister will meet with some of the leading architects at the Gala Dinner later that evening, along with Irish and US representatives, and welcome guests with opening remarks to the Gala Dinner. The dinner will also be attended by political leaders, international dignitaries and leading charities.

The Dinner will round off the recent period of Prime Minister-led events to mark the anniversary and strengthen efforts to support our vision for a prosperous 25 years ahead.

This follows President Biden’s visit to Belfast last week where the Prime Minister and the President celebrated the progress that Northern Ireland has made over the last quarter of a century and recommitted to building an even brighter future for Northern Ireland.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 April 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak outlines vision to ensure every young person has the maths skills they need to succeed.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 16 April 2023.

The Prime Minister will begin his second week of events to mark a quarter of a century since the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement was signed.

He will travel back to Belfast on Wednesday where he will acknowledge the “courage, imagination and perseverance” of those who engineered and supported the agreement, as part of the closing keynote speech at the Queen’s University’s ‘Agreement 25’ conference.

As part of the Gala Dinner that evening, he will host the remarkable young people who have made a real change to their communities by demonstrating the spirit of the agreement. This younger generation of volunteers make an outstanding contribution to promoting reconciliation through integrated education, sport, the arts and community service.

The Prime Minister will also meet with key architects of the agreement, along with Irish and US representatives where he will acknowledge the unique moment in our nation’s history.

Next week’s visit will be the Prime Minister’s fifth to Northern Ireland since he has been in office, making it one of his most visited locations.

The Prime Minister said:

This week we continue to acknowledge the courage, imagination and perseverance of those who built the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement. It gives me great pleasure to meet with some of the leading architects of peace and to commemorate those who are no longer with us.

It is a tribute to the 1998 Agreement that we also see a younger generation of inspirational people across Northern Ireland today. Those who volunteer time and effort to actively make their communities stronger.

So this week I will also pay tribute to young people who have continued to heal the wounds of a dark and difficult past, and those who came before them and set the groundwork for a better future.

The agreement continues to enjoy huge international support and the days ahead will see a spotlight on the peace, prosperity and economic opportunity which have ensued from the commitment in 1998. This week will provide further opportunity to reflect and discuss the ongoing transformation and progress across communities in Northern Ireland.

Queen’s University’s ‘Agreement 25’ conference will start on Monday and include speeches, panel discussions, plenary sessions and collaborative events from former and current political leaders.

The Gala Dinner will round off the recent period of events to commemorate the anniversary and strengthen efforts to support our vision for a prosperous 25 years ahead.

This follows President Biden’s visit to Belfast last week where the Prime Minister and the President celebrated the progress that Northern Ireland has made over the last quarter of a century and recommitted to building an even brighter future for Northern Ireland.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 14 April 2023.

The Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy this morning.

The leaders discussed the latest situation on the battlefield and the Prime Minister paid tribute to the efforts of the Ukrainian forces in Bakhmut.

Discussing the abhorrent beheading of a Ukrainian soldier shown on social media in recent days, the Prime Minister said the video was appalling and those responsible had to be held to account.

The leaders also discussed efforts to accelerate military support to Ukraine, and the Prime Minister said the UK and its allies needed to continue to ensure Ukraine was in the strongest possible position to build on its recent battlefield successes.

That included increasing interoperability with NATO both in the short and long term, the Prime Minister added.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 April 2023.

The Prime Minister spoke to Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte this morning.

Discussing the latest situation in Ukraine, the Prime Minister thanked the Dutch leader for the Netherlands’ ongoing support to the country, both militarily and in pursuit of justice for alleged war crimes.

The leaders reflected on the close collaboration between the UK and the Netherlands on supplying new capabilities to Ukraine in the coming months, and agreed on the importance of increasing operability between NATO and Ukrainian forces.

Looking ahead to the NATO summit in July, the leaders said it was important Sweden formally joined the alliance before the meeting.

Discussing the shared challenges faced by the UK and the Netherlands, the leaders agreed on the importance of working together across Europe to tackle illegal migration.

The Prime Minister said he was also pleased the UK and the Netherlands were working so closely through the North Sea Summit to harness the potential of offshore energy in the region and further shore up energy security.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 April 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed US President Joe Biden to the United Kingdom for a meeting in Belfast today.

The leaders reflected on the legacy of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, which was signed 25 years ago this week. They agreed that this anniversary is a moment to celebrate the progress that Northern Ireland has made over the last quarter of a century and to recommit to building an even brighter future for Northern Ireland.

The Prime Minister thanked President Biden for the role the US people and businesses have played in Northern Ireland’s prosperity, with billions of pounds of investment creating tens of thousands of jobs.

The Prime Minister and President Biden both expressed their sincere hope that the institutions in Northern Ireland will be restored as soon as possible.

The Prime Minister and President Biden discussed the wider relationship between the UK and the US.

They agreed that manipulation of global markets by authoritarian leaders demonstrates, more than ever, the need for likeminded partners to work together to support the economic health and security of our nations.

The leaders said that the thriving trade relationship between the UK and US demonstrates we are doing just that.

They looked forward to discussing the issue of economic security further during the G7 Summit next month and the Prime Minister’s visit to Washington DC in June.

They also agreed on the importance of using global forums like the G7 and G20 to challenge economic coercion and market manipulation, and promote the economic well-being of our countries.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 April 2023.

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to personally present six-year old Dáithí Mac Gabhann with his daily Points of Light award this morning.

As part of the Prime Minister’s visit to Northern Ireland to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement this week, he is expected to personally present six-year old Dáithí Mac Gabhann with his daily Points of Light award this morning.

The Points of Light awards recognise outstanding volunteers and people who are contributing to their community.

Today, the Prime Minister will meet with Dáithí and his family to thank them for their tireless campaigning for ‘Dáithí’s Law’, which implemented an ‘opt-out’ organ donation system, bringing Northern Ireland in line with the rest of the UK.

Their efforts prompted the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland’s decision to bring forward amendments to the Executive Formation Bill earlier this year, which allowed Dáithí’s Law to become a reality and save lives across Northern Ireland.

In a letter to Dáithí, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

“Every day I write a letter to thank someone for doing something remarkable for others. Today is very special, because I get to thank you.

“The bravery and determination you have shown in campaigning to change the law on organ donation in Northern Ireland is truly inspiring.

“With Dáithí’s Law you are helping others in your situation to get the life-changing help they need. It is a huge achievement.

“In your father’s words: “exceptional things happen for exceptional people.” I agree with him that you are truly exceptional and so I am delighted to recognise your courage by naming you as the UK’s 2029th Point of Light.

“The whole country is with you as you continue your treatment.”

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 11 April 2023.

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak marks the 25-year anniversary of the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

Today we reflect on the beginning of a new chapter in the people of Northern Ireland’s history, with the commemoration of the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement 25 years ago.

This is an Agreement born of partnership between the British and Irish Governments and, as we will see from President Biden’s visit this week, it continues to enjoy huge international support from our closest allies. But most importantly, it is based on compromise in Northern Ireland itself.

As we look forward, we will celebrate those who took difficult decisions, accepted compromise, and showed leadership – showing bravery, perseverance, and political imagination.

We commemorate those who are no longer with us and the many who lost their lives by trying to prevent violence and protect the innocent. And we give thanks to them as we reflect on the new generations that have grown up and continue to grow in a world in which peace and prosperity has prevailed.

While it is time to reflect on the solid progress we have made together, we must also recommit to redoubling our efforts on the promise made in 1998 and the agreements that followed.

One of economic opportunity, prosperity, and stability – it is a promise we must continue to fulfil. So must get on with the business of governance.

My mission, duty and responsibility as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom is to deliver for people in Northern Ireland.

We stand ready to work with our partners in the Irish Government and the local parties to ensure that the institutions are up and running again as soon as possible.

There is work to be done.