Boris Johnson hails ‘wonderful compromise’ of powersharing in Northern Ireland during Stormont visit

He stood by the Conservatives’ General Election manifesto pledge to protect armed forces veterans from the 30-year conflict from unfair prosecutions without new evidence.

The Prime Minister said the Stormont parties had done a good job balancing that with giving confidence to victims of violence who are seeking answers.

He said it is vital that public spending is properly monitored to ensure no repeat of the botched and overspending green energy scheme that caused the Stormont collapse three years ago.

He acknowledged there could be checks on goods crossing the Irish Sea that were destined for the Republic of Ireland as a result of Brexit, but insisted a deal with Brussels could mean they are not necessary.

Ahead of Mr Johnson’s arrival, a Stormont minister said he expected the Government to deliver at least £2 billion to support the powersharing deal.

The UK Government made a series of financial promises as part of efforts to get the “New Decade, New Approach” agreement over the line.

Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith, who helped broker it, pledged major investment to alleviate problems in the region’s struggling public services, but declined to confirm the sums involved.

Mr Johnson said: “We are, in the UK Government, making huge commitments which will be passed through, obviously, the Barnett consequentials, to Northern Ireland in healthcare.

“I have heard the arguments made to me this morning. We are listening very carefully and we will certainly do everything we can to support.”

The First Minister and Deputy First Minister had meetings with the Prime Minister and the Irish premier around the financial package needed to support the deal.

Mrs Foster said the meetings were “constructive” and ruled out imposing water charges as a revenue-raising measure.

She added: “He (Boris Johnson) must deliver. We have stepped up to the plate in relation to the political agreement.

“He put forward an agreement, he asked us to sign up to it. We have all signed up to it and come into a multi-party executive, therefore it is now incumbent on the Prime Minister to step up to the plate in relation to financial resources.

“We need significant and sustained investment, not just this year but over a number of years.

“This is crucial in ensuring transformation in areas such as health and also our road and water infrastructures.”

Ms O’Neill stressed the importance of delivering the funding.

She said: “All Executive ministers are committed to working together to tackle some very serious issues in our society and across public services. But, quite simply, we need the money to make it happen.

“We have done our bit and I look forward to the fulfilment of the commitments made by the two governments to let us get to work.”

Reporting by Press Association.