Press release: PM calls with Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill: 30 June 2017

A Downing Street spokesperson said:

The Prime Minister spoke on the phone to the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party Arlene Foster this evening about the UK government’s priority to restore devolved Government to Northern Ireland as soon as possible and our commitment to doing everything we can to work with the parties to reach a successful conclusion.

On the ongoing talks, the Prime Minister said it was encouraging to see discussions continuing and it was important that momentum is maintained so an Executive can be restored and they both agreed that this was in the interest of everyone in Northern Ireland.

In a separate call, the Prime Minister also spoke to Michelle O’Neill this evening:

A Downing Street spokesperson said:

The Prime Minister also spoke separately to Sinn Fein leader in Northern Ireland Michelle O’Neill this evening about the importance of re-establishing a power-sharing Executive as soon as possible and how the UK government remains steadfast in our commitment to making sure Northern Ireland has the political stability it requires.

They both agreed on the need for the Executive to be restored for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland. The Prime Minister recognised that constructive discussions had taken place between the parties and urged them both to come together reach a collective agreement so that devolved Government could be restored in Northern Ireland.