New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been pressed for early engagement on Northern Ireland, as DUP leader Gavin Robinson questioned what Mr Burnham stands for and called for swift action to address the region's problems.
Mixed Reception from Northern Ireland Leaders
There was a mixed reception from the region as the former Greater Manchester mayor took up the reins in 10 Downing Street. Sinn Féin MP John Finucane urged preparation work for a united Ireland, while SDLP leader Claire Hanna said her party wants to see reform at Stormont.
Mr Robinson told media in Belfast on Monday: “A Prime Minister is always welcome in Northern Ireland, I think it would be good to have early engagement with some of the challenges that we face, not just around budgets and financial stability, but also political stability, the interaction between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom.”
Budget and Political Stability Concerns
Stormont remains without an agreed budget for the current financial year, with parties arguing they cannot agree until more funding is provided from the Treasury. Mr Robinson highlighted the need for discussions on the devolved settlement, noting that Mr Burnham has an interest in devolution but views it through the prism of England.
“We know this Prime Minister has an interest in devolution, but he thinks about that through the prism of devolution within England, and there are clearly opportunities but challenges associated with our devolved settlement and discussions will need to be had in that regard,” Mr Robinson said.
Praise for Hilary Benn's Role
Regarding the Northern Ireland Secretary, Mr Robinson praised current office holder Hilary Benn for putting “a lot of his time and effort” into tackling the legacy of the region’s troubled past. “Although I have difficulties with his position on legacy, I recognise him to be an honourable man, and someone who has served Northern Ireland over the last two years,” he said. “Whether he continues to do so, or serve in another capacity, I have no idea.”
The DUP leader added: “I don’t know what Manchesterism really means for the United Kingdom, and I don’t know what Burnhamism is either, so we will see.”
Calls for United Ireland Preparation
In a statement on X, Mr Finucane said Mr Burnham “must respect the right of the people of Ireland to determine our own future”. “A positive and healthy debate about a new and united Ireland is already under way in all four corners of this island,” he said. “It is only sensible and responsible that both governments work together and begin preparations in advance of a referendum.”
SDLP's Call for Tangible Change
Ms Hanna congratulated Mr Burnham but said he faces major challenges. “It will be a short honeymoon,” she said, adding that people “want change that isn’t coming as fast as it might do”. “People’s cynicism has grown about what politics can and will do, so Andy Burnham does need to make some tangible changes.”
She highlighted the chaotic budget process in Northern Ireland, with little responsibility taken by Executive parties. “We will want the UK government to take a more strategic approach, but that will also include the Executive parties accepting that they sought and won power at the ballot box, and that also means running the place.”
