Ivan Lewis MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, commenting on the government’s announcement to facilitate cross-party talks on the past, parades and flags in Northern Ireland, said:

“We welcome the UK and Irish government’s decision to respond positively to the proposal I made at last week’s Labour Party Conference.

"It has been clear for some considerable time that the engagement of the two governments is essential if political stalemate in Northern Ireland is to end.

"I hope that Northern Ireland’s political leaders will now rise to the challenge and make the necessary compromises which are essential if progress is to be made.”