Joint UK-Ireland Statement at the 1226 OSCE Permanent Council meeting
Statement
02 May 2019I would like to make this statement on behalf of both Ireland and the United Kingdom, paying tribute to the brilliant, talented journalist, Lyra McKee, who was murdered on 18 April in Derry Londonderry, whilst standing next to police who had come under attack from a violent dissident republican gunman. A full investigation of the incident is ongoing to seek to bring those responsible to justice.
The killing of Lyra was shocking and senseless. At 29, Lyra had achieved more than most. She was already a noted investigative journalist, who stood for inclusivity and diversity. In many ways, she epitomised the principles that World Press Freedom Day underlines. The OSCE have long recognised the risks that can be involved in journalism.
As the Prime Minister and Taoiseach said on 26 April, the clear will and determination of all of the people of our islands is to reject violence and to support peace and a better future. Those who carried out this attack have nothing to offer the people of Northern Ireland, and will never succeed in undermining our way of life and our democracy.
We would like to convey our sincere condolences to Lyra’s partner, family, friends and colleagues.
Now, more than ever, it is important that Northern Ireland's political leaders come together. That is why last week the UK and Irish Government announced that a new process of political talks involving all the main political parties in Northern Ireland will commence on the 7 May. This is with the aim of quickly restoring, to full operation, the democratic institutions of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement - the Northern Ireland Executive, Assembly and North-South Ministerial Council - so that they can effectively serve all of the people for the future.