Boris Johnson to visit NI on Thursday to talk about Province’s centenary and Covid-19

Mr Johnson will also be discussing the pandemic’s impact upon Northern Ireland, and using the opportunity to tout the support which Westminster has offered to the Province throughout the Covid crisis.

It is understood to be the first visit to Northern Ireland since January.

The prime minister will meet Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill, plus new Taoiseach Michael Martin.

The government did not explicitly spell out tonight whether the meeting with Mr Martin will be in Northern Ireland, or in his own jurisdiction across the Irish border.

Mr Johnson has been attacked by Sinn Fein over his support for Brexit, and has also antagonised DUP members by claiming there would be no border in the Irish Sea, in apparent defiance of the facts.

A statement accompanying the news of his visit said Mr Johnson will announce plans to establish a “Centenary Forum” as well as a “Centenary Historical Advisory Panel to work alongside Government to mark 100 years since the creation of Northern Ireland”.

At time of writing tonight, there was little further detail on precisely what these will involve.

The government statement pointed to “4.7 million pieces of PPE” given to Northern Ireland by the UK government, £2.2bn of extra funding this year to aid in the Covid crisis, and a £5.7m package to help shore up the Province’s three airports.

It also said that the furlough scheme has supported 240,200 jobs in NI (with the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme supporting another 76,000 people in NI).

In a statement, Mr Johnson said: “As the country begins to get back on its feet in the wake of coronavirus, we cannot simply strive to rebuild, but we must commit to building back stronger than ever.

“I cannot overstate how important the close co-operation that we have seen between central and devolved government will continue to be to this.

“Together, we will make sure Northern Ireland is ready to take full advantage of the many opportunities that lie ahead and that no part of Northern Ireland is left behind.

“As we mark 100 years since the creation of Northern Ireland, it is important that we celebrate its people, culture and traditions, along with its vital contribution to the United Kingdom.”

Meanwhile a statement from the central government’s representative in the Province, Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis, said of the centenary plans: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people right across the UK to celebrate Northern Ireland and its integral place within our Union. We will use the centenary next year to promote it on the world stage.”

He said the forum and panel “will offer us the opportunity to work with a broad spectrum of people, including those from across the political parties, business, tourism and the voluntary and community sectors” to draw up a programme of events.

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