Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Committed to New Approach
» New SOS Lewis in legacy pledge » A ‘tough’ job to follow Smith
THE new Secretary of State has said he is committed to delivering on Government proposals addressing the legacy of the past.
Brandon Lewis revealed he wanted to build on promises made by his predecessor when power-sharing was restored last month.
He added: “The New Decade, New Approach agreement is something the Government is absolutely committed to and I see my job as actually building on that and delivering on the promise of that agreement.”
Mr Lewis replaced Julian Smith in Boris Johnson’s Cabinet reshuffle on Thursday.
As he visited Northern Ireland yesterday, he paid tribute to the “great work” done by his “brilliant” predecessor, who he described as a good friend.
Mr Lewis said: “I am very fortunate to be coming in as Secretary of State on the back of someone who did a great job and actually delivered, as I say, that agreement for the New Decade, New Approach. Julian has been a superb Secretary of State.
“I have got the tough boots to fill, the exciting job of delivering on that agreement, taking us forward to actually make sure we are able to capitalise on those opportunities.”
Downing Street reportedly felt left out of the loop over the terms of the deal Mr Smith was negotiating last month, which eventually led to the Stormont Assembly functioning again after a three-year suspension.
There are concerns in Tory circles the agreement includes plans for a historical investigations unit of independent detectives.
Its remit is expected to cover alleged crimes by British soldiers, republican and loyalist paramilitaries and police during the Troubles. Many MPS oppose the prosecution of troops for alleged past wrongdoing.
Those close to Mr
Smith insisted Number 10 and the Prime Minister had been kept fully informed. Mr Lewis visited the Centre for Security Information Technologies yesterday where he heard from the senior Queen’s University team about the importance of the IT and cyber sector in Northern Ireland. He also met engineers and scientists and was shown a non-echo chamber, which is used for testing antennae signals.
Mr Lewis said his focus was on making a “brilliant success” of the political deal and added: “Investing in infrastructure, getting things moving again, that is my focus.” He hoped he’d be able to remain as Secretary of State for a considerable period of time as the UK transitions after Brexit. Mr Lewis said: “We are absolutely clear, as the UK Government we will not be having a border down the Irish Sea.”
Getting things moving again, that is my focus BRANDON LEWIS BELFAST YESTERDAY