Prime Minister Andy Burnham has arrived in Northern Ireland as part of his summer tour of the United Kingdom. This marks his first visit to the region since he became Prime Minister.
During his visit, Mr. Burnham will meet with the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland later today. He is expected to convey a message of working in partnership to help families in Northern Ireland with cost-of-living pressures.
The Prime Minister will also hold meetings with Sinn Féin, The Democratic Unionist Party, The Alliance Party, The Ulster Unionist Party, and The Social Democratic and Labour Party. He intends to reiterate a problem-solving approach to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland.
Before these engagements, the Prime Minister will spend time in Belfast listening to young people discuss issues impacting their lives and their aspirations. This includes speaking with teenagers and staff involved in mentoring schemes within Belfast’s creative music scene.
Mr. Burnham previously announced he will convene the First Ministers of Wales and Scotland, and the First and deputy First Ministers of Northern Ireland in October. This meeting will discuss how to drive growth across the UK, with Northern Ireland helping to set the growth agenda at the National Economic Council.