SIR Keir Starmer believes the Windsor Framework provides a “real opportunity” for politicians to end the Stormont stalemate.
The British Labour Party leader told an audience of Derry school pupils on Friday he was glad the DUP was taking time to carefully consider the plan.
Sir Keir was on a day-long visit during which he met students from across the city at St Columb’s College. The event was arranged through the John and Pat Hume Foundation. He also attended the opening of a new cinematic arts’ studio at Ulster University’s Magee campus named after former Secretary of State Mo Mowlam as well as the unveiling of a mural in her honour.
The opening of the Mo Mowlam studio at UU’s Foyle Arts building is the first of several events organised by the university to mark the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
Sir Keir said Ms Mowlam was a “true political force” with an unwavering dedication to peace.
"Her political skill, courage and charisma brought people together from all sides and, as part of the last Labour government, she helped pave the way for the Good Friday Agreement," he said.
Earlier at St Columb’s, he paid tribute to former SDLP leader John Hume who was a student and later teacher there.
"John was a great historic figure, so well respected. I have John in mind when I think of the big decisions that we need to make as a Labour Party, as the opposition and hopefully one day as the government,” Sir Keir said.
In answer to questions from pupils, he said the Windsor Framework could end the Stormont stalemate.
"I do genuinely think that this is a real opportunity; I felt that before we even saw the text. Over the last month or six weeks, I could feel that the UK and EU were moving closer together. This is a good thing.
"I'm a great believer in bridge building and bringing people together. I do think there is enough. It is a compromise, that’s the nature of any agreement. But if it gives us the space to move forward, which I think it will, if it leads to Stormont running again, I think that’s really good and so I think this is a real opportunity."
The visit coincided with a peace summit organised by the Hume Foundation to examine the “unfinished business” of the Good Friday Agreement. Almost 600 people took part in the conference, also at UU’s Magee campus. It called on politicians to finish implementing the Good Friday Agreement. It also proposed a plan to support a new generation of peacebuilders.
