Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister Claire Sugden yesterday met with the new Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire during his first visit to Belfast since his appointment.

Speaking after the meeting, Ms Sugden said: “I welcome this early opportunity to meet with the new Secretary of State, James Brokenshire and I wish him well in his new role.

“Today we discussed a range of strategic issues facing Northern Ireland including the current security situation, the operational implications of the EU referendum outcome, the justice elements of the Fresh Start Agreement and how we can move forward in establishing the structures to deal with the legacy of the past.”

Ms Sugden added: “I look forward to a positive working relationship with the Secretary of State and am committed to working with him alongside my Executive colleagues to ensure the best interests of Northern Ireland are represented.”

Both Ms Sugden and Mr Brokenshire have been very newly appointed to their key government roles in Northern Ireland.

Ms Sugden, an Independent MLA, was elected Justice Minister in May after the Alliance Party surprised pundits by declining to nominate somebody for the role after the Northern Ireland Assembly election.

Mr Brokenshire was appointed Northern Ireland’s new Secretary of State by Prime Minister Theresa May, who succeeded David Cameron following his resignation over the EU referendum outcome.