Sir Keir Starmer arrives in Northern Ireland for first visit as Prime Minister

Ben welcomes Starmer's visit as 'positive sign'

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has welcomed Sir Keir Starmer's first visit to Belfast as Prime Minister as a "positive sign" for the region. Benn said that Starmer's visit was a "clear demonstration of his commitment to Northern Ireland and to working with all parties to build a better future for the people of Northern Ireland."

Starmer to meet with political leaders

During his visit, Starmer is due to meet with the leaders of the main political parties in Northern Ireland, including Sinn Féin, the Democratic Unionist Party, and the Alliance Party. He is also expected to visit a number of community projects and meet with business leaders.

Starmer's visit comes at a time of heightened tensions

Starmer's visit comes at a time of heightened tensions in Northern Ireland, with the region still reeling from the impact of Brexit and the ongoing row over the Northern Ireland Protocol. The Protocol, which was designed to avoid a hard border with the Republic of Ireland, has been fiercely opposed by unionists, who claim that it has created a trade barrier between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

Starmer's visit is seen as an opportunity to build bridges

Starmer's visit is seen as an opportunity to build bridges between the different communities in Northern Ireland and to help to find a way forward on the Protocol. Benn said that he hoped that Starmer's visit would "help to create a more positive atmosphere" in Northern Ireland and that it would "send a clear message that the UK government is committed to working with all parties to build a better future for the people of Northern Ireland."