Andy Burnham has phoned Northern Ireland’s first minister, Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill, and the deputy first minister, Emma Little Pengelly, following the change in secretary of state from Hilary Benn to former trade minister Chris Bryant.
He has also phoned the first ministers of Wales and Scotland, Rhun ap Iorwerth and John Swinney, outlining his seriousness about “creating a new politics - rooted in finding common ground” and collaboration with the devolved governments.
A spokesperson for Burnham said together they could “drive deeper devolution” to help growth to all postcodes in the UK.
Bryant, a former trade minister and Anglican priest, will be tasked with taking forward the “Troubles bill”, which will replace the Legacy Act brought in by the Conservatives in 2023 and opposed by all five main Northern Ireland parties.
He will also face concerns among unionists who fear a Nigel Farage led UK government in three years time will fuel Sinn Fein calls for a border poll on a united Ireland.
Politicians in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, have already expressed concern that a “nationalist rump” in England could lead to the break up of the UK.
