Menu
05/12/2014
Talks Progress Must Be Made - NI Secretary
Theresa Villiers has said the chance to make progress in the latest round of political talks in Northern Ireland must not be missed, after Chancellor George Obsorne said he would devolve corporation tax in the event of agreement.
The Secretary Of State said: "We’ve now concluded the eighth week of talks, which saw a very significant development with the Chancellor committing to legislate to devolve corporation tax rate-setting powers, if the parties can agree a credible course to put Executive finances on a sustainable footing.
"This is very good news for Northern Ireland and it makes it more important than ever that these talks result in an agreement. The clock is ticking. If we are going to get legislation through before the general election, it needs to be introduced into Parliament in the next couple of weeks. We should not let this chance slip through our fingers."
MLAs and party leaders are currently engaging in talks to resolve issues in Northern Ireland surrounding flags, parades and the legacy of the Troubles.
The latest round follows deadlock last Christmas, after parties were unable to agree on proposals set by US peace envoys Dr Richard Haass and Meghan O'Sullivan.
"Over the past week there has been encouraging input by all participants, but there still remains much to be done," Ms Villiers said. "I recognise that we are working through some extremely sensitive issues, but it is imperative that all the parties continue to engage positively in the interests of bringing about stable and effective government for all in Northern Ireland."
(IT/CD)
The Secretary Of State said: "We’ve now concluded the eighth week of talks, which saw a very significant development with the Chancellor committing to legislate to devolve corporation tax rate-setting powers, if the parties can agree a credible course to put Executive finances on a sustainable footing.
"This is very good news for Northern Ireland and it makes it more important than ever that these talks result in an agreement. The clock is ticking. If we are going to get legislation through before the general election, it needs to be introduced into Parliament in the next couple of weeks. We should not let this chance slip through our fingers."
MLAs and party leaders are currently engaging in talks to resolve issues in Northern Ireland surrounding flags, parades and the legacy of the Troubles.
The latest round follows deadlock last Christmas, after parties were unable to agree on proposals set by US peace envoys Dr Richard Haass and Meghan O'Sullivan.
"Over the past week there has been encouraging input by all participants, but there still remains much to be done," Ms Villiers said. "I recognise that we are working through some extremely sensitive issues, but it is imperative that all the parties continue to engage positively in the interests of bringing about stable and effective government for all in Northern Ireland."
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 January 2018
Fresh Round Of Talks To Restore Power-Sharing In NI Begin
A fresh round of talks to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland have begun. The Secretary of state will hold meetings with the five main parties. The Irish deputy prime minister will also be at Stormont. Northern Ireland has been without an Executive for over a year.
Fresh Round Of Talks To Restore Power-Sharing In NI Begin
A fresh round of talks to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland have begun. The Secretary of state will hold meetings with the five main parties. The Irish deputy prime minister will also be at Stormont. Northern Ireland has been without an Executive for over a year.
03 July 2014
Unionists Walk Out Of New Talks
Northern Ireland's unionist parties have walked out of new talks intended to bring about consensus on contentious issues in Northern Ireland. The move follows a Parades Commission decision to not allow the Orange Order to march through a predominantly nationalist area of north Belfast twice on 12 July.
Unionists Walk Out Of New Talks
Northern Ireland's unionist parties have walked out of new talks intended to bring about consensus on contentious issues in Northern Ireland. The move follows a Parades Commission decision to not allow the Orange Order to march through a predominantly nationalist area of north Belfast twice on 12 July.
20 December 2023
'It Is Now Time For Decisions To Be Made' – Chris Heaton-Harris
The Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, has said that "it is now time for decisions to be made", following the conclusion of talks at Hillsborough. The Secretary has been holding a series of talks of NI's five main parties in an effort to restore Northern Ireland's political institutions.
'It Is Now Time For Decisions To Be Made' – Chris Heaton-Harris
The Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, has said that "it is now time for decisions to be made", following the conclusion of talks at Hillsborough. The Secretary has been holding a series of talks of NI's five main parties in an effort to restore Northern Ireland's political institutions.
31 July 2019
Boris Johnson At Stormont For Talks Update
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has arrived in Northern Ireland today to join the Stormont talks process. The Conservative leader is joined by Secretary of State Julian Smith to meet the leaders of the five main political parties and be updated on the progress of negotiations to restore devolution.
Boris Johnson At Stormont For Talks Update
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has arrived in Northern Ireland today to join the Stormont talks process. The Conservative leader is joined by Secretary of State Julian Smith to meet the leaders of the five main political parties and be updated on the progress of negotiations to restore devolution.
26 July 2019
New NI Secretary To Hold Talks With Party Leaders
Northern Ireland's new Secretary of State Julian Smith will visit the region to hold talks with each of the five main political parties today. The MP for Yorkshire constituency Skipton and Ripon inherits the task of facilitating the Stormont talks process after Karen Bradley was sacked from her role on Wednesday by new Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
New NI Secretary To Hold Talks With Party Leaders
Northern Ireland's new Secretary of State Julian Smith will visit the region to hold talks with each of the five main political parties today. The MP for Yorkshire constituency Skipton and Ripon inherits the task of facilitating the Stormont talks process after Karen Bradley was sacked from her role on Wednesday by new Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
