Sunak urges return of Stormont on 25-year anniversary of Good Friday Agreement

09 April 2023 , 23:01

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'Today we reflect on the beginning of a new chapter in the people of Northern Ireland’s history,' says Rishi Sunak (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Rishi Sunak has called for the swift restoration of Stormont as political leaders mark the 25-year anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement today.

Keir Starmer also hailed the historic peace deal signed on April 10 1998 as one of the "proudest achievements" of the Labour Government under Tony Blair.

In a statement the Prime Minister celebrated the "difficult decisions" taken and "political imagination" displayed to end the three decade conflict known as the Troubles.

Marking the milestone anniversary, Mr Sunak said: “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."

He said the peace deal continues to enjoy "huge international support" as US President Joe Biden prepares to visit Northern Ireland on Tuesday evening.

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But the PM also recognised there is "work to be done" with the restoration of power-sharing institutions formed by the Good Friday Agreement.

Last year the DUP withdrew its support - collapsing Stormont - in protest at the post-Brexit trading arrangements and refused to support Mr Sunak's new deal.

Political leaders will mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement on Monday (PA)

Mr Sunak added: “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.

“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.”

The Labour leader Mr Starmer also praised the people of Northern Ireland for having "overcome differences that once seemed insurmountable" with the peace deal.

“The Good Friday Agreement represents the very best of what our politics can achieve, the triumph of hope over division, of peace over strife and of prosperity over conflict", he said.

But he also highlighted the "political stalemate" at Stormont.

He said: "With political stalemate at Stormont and a period of difficult Anglo-Irish relations, we must use the spirit and the trust built by the architects of the Good Friday Agreement to push us forward to another twenty five years of peace and prosperity.”

Ashley Cowburn