The leader of the House of Commons has told business leaders in the north that the British government's commitment to the Belfast Agreement "remains absolutely steadfast".
Andrea Leadsom was speaking last night at the Ulster Museum in Belfast where she was attending the Ulster Business Top 100 Companies Banquet.
Speaking during the event, Ms Leadsom said she recognised that the business community is "anxious to see a working Assembly and Executive".
"Our priority continues to be a fully functioning and inclusive devolved government back up and running as soon as possible - and I know that Karen Bradley is determined to do everything to bring that about.
"We need a return to more formal political dialogue that can lead to a restoration of the institutions".
She added: "You need assurances that the Brexit negotiations, leaving the EU, and the political uncertainty here in Northern Ireland are no impediment to your progress.
"I know the success of many of your businesses, and your day-to-day lives, relies on frictionless trade and travel across the border. Let me assure you that we don’t want this arrangement to change when we leave the EU".
