LABOUR MPs have urged the British prime minister to join the Stormont talks amid concerns that her "laissez faire approach" could damage progress.
Former shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Vernon Coaker led calls for Theresa May and Taoiseach Enda Kenny to join the stalled negotiations on forming a new executive.
His concern was echoed by south Armagh-born St Helens North MP Conor McGinn, who questioned why Mrs May had not visited Northern Ireland after recent trips to Wales and Scotland.
However, Secretary of State James Brokenshire rejected the calls and said both leaders were deeply engaged in the process.
Mr McGinn told Mr Brokenshire: "The perceived laissez-faire approach of the prime minister does you no favours.
"The prime minister was in Wales last week, Scotland this week – she should go to Northern Ireland with the taoiseach, convene these talks and find a resolution sooner rather than later."
Owen Smith, a special adviser during the peace talks, said the presence of the prime minister could add weight to discussions on the north's future.
"History does show that the engagement of the Taoiseach and the Prime Minister is the way in which we intensify those talks and bring about resolution," the Pontypridd MP said.
"Can you explain to the house why the government are so resistant to taking that step?"
Earlier, Tory MP James Cleverly said the move would only reward "intransigence" and urged ministers to "ignore the siren song" to send the prime minister to Northern Ireland.
