On the announcement that Hilary Benn MP has been appointed by Keir Starmer as the new Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie MC MLA said:

“I wish to congratulate the member for Leeds Central, Hilary Benn MP, on his appointment as Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; I am sure that the appointment of an individual with such an extensive political career is an indication of the importance the Labour Party leader places on Northern Ireland.

“I would also like to thank Peter Kyle for his engagement during his time in this role; I always found him to be passionate about the issues we championed.

“I look forward to meeting with the new Shadow Secretary of State in the near future to share our strong and serious concerns on a range of issues.”