Northern Ireland Secretary Benn to meet Tánaiste Micheál Martin

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn will meet Tánaiste Micheál Martin at Hillsborough Castle on Thursday.

Mr Benn became secretary of state following the Labour landslide in the UK general election.

Mr Martin, who is the Minister for Foreign Affairs, will participate in the formal engagement as officials in Dublin and London seek a “reset” in relations.

One of the key topics for discussion is the UK’s controversial Legacy Act, which offers a limited form of immunity for perpetrators of Troubles crimes.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said a reset in UK-Ireland relations means a victim-centred approach to legacy issues in Northern Ireland.

The Government recently mounted a legal case in the European Court of Human Rights against the legacy laws introduced by the previous UK government.

Ahead of the election in the UK, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer – now UK prime minister – vowed to repeal the contentious legislation provisions.

Elsewhere, Irish officials have also sought commitments from the UK over the funding of Casement Park ahead of Euro 2028.