Peace central to Northern Ireland realising its economic potential - Chris Heaton-Harris

Although we have a positive story to tell in-terms of delivering on the promise of the agreement over the past 25 years, we also acknowledge that there is more to be done to realise other aspects of the agreement’s ambition for a society that is reconciled with the past and able to look to the future.

In view of our unyielding commitment to upholding the agreement, we will continue to work tirelessly to secure an even brighter, more reconciled future for Northern Ireland, thereby enabling it to look forward.

That is why we continue to support the work of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), following the UK’s exit from the European Union. We are providing more than £730m to the programme, almost 75 per cent of the budget, which includes match funding contributions from the Northern Ireland Executive.

Together with contributions from the European Commission and Ireland of over £250m, this brings the total up to almost £1bn, a huge investment from across the international stage towards peace and prosperity as we mark the anniversary of the Agreement and look forward to the next 25 years.

Since being appointed as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, I have had the opportunity to visit many of the brilliant people, businesses, social enterprises and voluntary organisations across Northern Ireland who are determined to improve the lives of their families and communities.

I am proud that this funding is available to support the vital ongoing work to promote peace and reconciliation and contribute to cross-border economic and territorial development.

This week also signifies an important moment for Northern Ireland. Leading investors and international businesses arrive in Belfast for the Northern Ireland Investment Summit, as we bring together one of the largest groups of investors Northern Ireland has ever seen.

This in itself is a testimony to the huge progress made over the last 25 years and I am proud that we are able to promote the unique economic strengths and opportunities in Northern Ireland on a global stage. I have no doubt that the partnerships formed in Belfast this week will lead Northern Ireland to a more prosperous future.

The Windsor Framework agreed with the EU earlier this year also marks a new era of partnership for the UK and EU and a stable framework for the future. The Framework delivers stability for the people of Northern Ireland, protects Northern Ireland’s place in the Union, and preserves the balance in the Good Friday Agreement.

Too often, in politics, we focus on the issues that divide us. PEACE PLUS, a new EU funding programme, is there to counter this tendency; to promote peace and reconciliation.

An adapted speech by The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, at a PEACE PLUS programme launch event hosted by the Special EU Programmes Body.