Summary

  • UK PM Rishi Sunak is hosting a gala dinner at Hillsborough Castle to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement

  • World leaders have been in Northern Ireland lauding the deal's role in ending 30 years of violent conflict known as the Troubles

  • PM Sunak tells guests, including current and former prime ministers and presidents, that Northern Ireland would "never go back"

  • Earlier, on a third day of commemorative events, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the agreement a "miracle"

  • Former US president Bill Clinton said the deal was orchestrated by "vigorous, able, comprehensive, combative" leaders

  • Sunak paid tribute to leaders' acts of courage "more powerful than a thousand bombs or bullets"

  • The PM urged the DUP to rejoin the Stormont Assembly, nine months after NI's largest unionist party walked out of power-sharing

  • Irish PM Leo Varadkar pledged to work with all parties in NI and London to drive the peace process forward to benefit "all people of these islands"

  1. Michel feared agreement would failpublished at 14:59 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    Charles MichelImage source, Pool

    Michel says he feared the Good Friday Agreement would be "another paper in the museum of failed peace deals".

    He pays tribute to the women of Northern Ireland who made the deal happen, and the "enormous contributions of visionary leaders" - naming Bertie Ahern, Sir Tony Blair and "so many others".

    "Their efforts ensured the people's will didn't fall on barren ground," he adds.

    He emphasises that the agreement must be protected and its principles adhered to.

  2. 'Duty to keep spirit of agreement alive'published at 14:57 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    Charles Michel continues by emphasising the duty to keep the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement alive.

    Looking to the future, Michel pays tribute to the people of Northern Ireland and says the will of the people is the backbone for what the future of Northern Ireland can be.

    "Today we must protect this agreement and stay true to its principles," he says.

  3. 'Strength and courage led to agreement'published at 14:56 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    Charles Michel is welcomed on stage with applause.

    He begins by honouring the "strength and courage" 25 years ago that led to the peace agreement.

    He describes it as a "remarkable and rare achievement" in light of the arc of human history.

    Michel says against all odds, the deal was reached and gave a new beginning after years of armed conflict.

  4. Clinton welcomes European speakerspublished at 14:54 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    Clinton says it is her great pleasure to welcome EU Council President Charles Michel and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, both of whom she describes as "strong advocates for democratic co-operation" under the Good Friday Agreement.

  5. Clinton's praise for shared educationpublished at 14:53 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    Hillary ClintonImage source, Pool

    Clinton has come from the very first shared education campus in Northern Ireland, where Catholic and Protestant high schools share buildings for some subjects.

    She says she was pleased to see the local high schools "working together, learning side by side, support, and sharing ideas."

    She says she was stunned to see students in the midst of building an aeroplane.

    "It's an example of the commitment and imagination we want to see across Northern Ireland," she adds.

  6. These have been extraordinary days - Clintonpublished at 14:50 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    Hillary Clinton walks onto the stage to a rapturous applause as she thanks everyone "for extraordinary days and events" this week.

    She says it is an honour to be at the university alongside Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

    Clinton begins: "We have had a chance to reflect on what has been achieved and really honour the citizens of Northern Ireland to make peace possible.

    "We recognised those whose efforts often go unrecognised - women."

    She says work to reimagine the future of Northern Ireland is front and centre today.

  7. Waiting for the PM to arrivepublished at 14:44 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    Jake Liggett
    BBC News NI, at Queen's University

    Members of the press outside Queen's University

    The audience has taken a chance to step outside during the lunch break, both to grab some sun and to await the arrival of this afternoon's speakers.

    Some more guests also arrived, including Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O'Neill.

    Photographers and media are gathering outside, hoping to catch sight of Rishi Sunak when he arrives.

  8. Varadkar and Michel enter the conferencepublished at 14:32 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    Leo Varadkar and President of the European Council Charles Michel have arrived at Queen's and posed for photographs outside the university's iconic Lanyon Building in south Belfast.

    Charles Michel and Prof Ian GreerImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Charles Michel shook hands with Queen's University's vice-chancellor

    Leo Varadkar and Prof Ian GreerImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Leo Varadkar is prime minister of the Republic of Ireland

  9. Keynote speakers arrive at Queen'spublished at 14:05 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    QUB vice-chancellor Ian Greer, former US President Bill Clinton and Ryan Feeny from Queen's stand in front of the Lanyon Building

    Some of those due to deliver keynote addresses to the Queen's University conference are arriving on campus.

    Former US President Bill Clinton, President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar are among those meeting the university's vice-chancellor in front of the Lanyon building.

    Ursula von der Leyen with Queen's Univeristy vice-chancellor Prof Ian GreenImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Guests including Ursula von der Leyen were greeted by Queen's Univeristy vice-chancellor Prof Ian Greer

  10. What happened on Day two?published at 14:04 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    Here's a reminder of what happened yesterday during the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

    • In what could be seen as a direct challenge to unionist politicians, Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris said a return to Stormont is the surest way to secure Northern Ireland's place in the union
    • Irish Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that the Windsor Framework agreement between the UK and EU is the best deal available on post-Brexit trading for Northern Ireland
    • There was a panel discussion between senior figures in each of Northern Ireland's five main political parties. DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly reiterated her party's commitment to stay out of power-sharing until further changes are made to Northern Ireland's position in terms of customs
    • In a visit to Londonderry's Guildhall, former US president Bill Clinton paid tribute to John Hume and David Trimble as men "who put their lives and careers on the line" for peace
    Bill ClintonImage source, PA Media
  11. Day one: Reflectpublished at 13:19 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    Here's a reminder of what took place on Monday, day one of the conference.

    • Senator George Mitchell got things started with a speech reflecting on the Good Friday Agreement. In the afternoon a bust was unveiled to him at Queen's University, where he served as chancellor from 1999-2009
    • In a panel discussion with some of the parties who negotiated the peace deal, former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said it wasn't a "destination but rather the beginning of a new journey"
    • A second party panel was also chaired by Nancy Soderberg in which former Alliance leader John Alderdice said that in the 1990s there was a "zeitgeist" in which leaders who resolved conflict were praised
    • The final event of the day saw three former national leaders take to the stage in a panel chaired by Hillary Clinton. Sir Tony Blair, Bill Clinton and Bertie Ahern reflected on 1998 and how the Good Friday Agreement was delivered
  12. A surprise Kennedy visitpublished at 13:03 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    Jayne McCormack
    BBC News NI political correspondent

    Joe Kennedy shakes hands with QUB staff at the media centre

    Taking a break from the conference hall, US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy has turned up to the media centre.

    He’s greeting staff to thank them for their efforts this week and pausing for selfies.

  13. Campus security tightens as VIPs arrivepublished at 12:52 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    Jayne McCormack
    BBC News NI political correspondent

    In a matter of hours Rishi Sunak will bring this week’s mammoth series of events to a close.

    He’s already referenced the anniversary during prime minister’s questions ahead of boarding a flight across the Irish Sea.

    Security is becoming tighter as the campus prepares to welcome a VIP cast list with Sunak, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen topping the bill.

    The prime minister will then head to Hillsborough Castle for a special gala dinner.

    It’s understood that before dinner is served he’ll hold meetings with the Stormont party leaders.

  14. A break from the Whitla Hallpublished at 12:32 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    That's all from our live coverage from the Whitla Hall for now after another busy morning.

    But it's not the end of our updates on Good Friday Agreement events, and we will also return to the Whitla Hall later.

    The conference will conclude with speeches by leaders including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

    You can stream the keynote addresses at the top of this page.

  15. 'Troubles of the past give way to the triumphs of the future'published at 12:12 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    Kennedy says Northern Ireland should be a place where children learn about history and not relive it.

    He recites a section of a poem from a schoolboy from Donegal, who he met at the conference.

    "Let's raise a pint of Guinness to the Irish and the Brits who put aside their differences for a future that uplifts," he reads from the poem.

    Kennedy ends his speech saying he is excited and grateful to join the people of Northern Ireland on their journey and adds he "can't wait to see where we go".

  16. Kennedy optimistic for Northern Irelandpublished at 12:08 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    Kennedy says he wants to ensure the benefits of prosperity and growth touch "every soul across this great place, from a vibrant city centre, past the falls and Shankill, the river Foyle, and through every corner of County Down."

    He says that the people of Northern Ireland "aren't afraid of the hard stuff".

  17. Kennedy says he aims to attract new business to NIpublished at 12:03 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    Joe Kennedy says two of his primary responsibilities will be getting businesses in Northern Ireland to expand their global footprint and attracting more businesses to invest here.

    He says many executives are already aware of the case for Northern Ireland, including the talent and potential for market access that it has.

    He adds that the sooner business leaders have clarity about the political future of Northern Ireland, the better it will be for the economy.

  18. Joe Kennedy speaking nowpublished at 11:55 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    The US special envoy to Northern Ireland has thanked the organisers of the conference and the people of Northern Ireland for the welcome he and his family have received.

    Kennedy recounts the places and visitor attractions he has visited in Northern Ireland including Derry's Walls, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, and a trip on a hyrdrofoil in Belfast Harbour.

    He then reflects on the past 10 days he has spent in Northern Ireland.

    "There are few places on this planet where the connection between the past and the present is so tangible," he says.

    He adds that without peace there can be no prosperity.

  19. Principals proud of Clinton honourpublished at 11:50 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    Davy Wilson
    BBC News NI, in Limavady

    Back in Limavady, both school principals say they are tremendously proud to have been honoured by Hillary Clinton.

    “It’s a surreal moment,“ Rita Moore of St Mary’s says.

    “Normally big events happen in Belfast or Derry.”

    She says the schools are enriched by recognising all the things they have in common and by embracing their differences.

    Darren Mornin from Limavady High School says Clinton’s visit is a source of pride for both schools.

    He also stress that it is the ethos of shared education being recognised.

    “We are every proud of our own identities and culture but we celebrate our difference” he adds

  20. A few nerves for the head boyspublished at 11:34 British Summer Time 19 April 2023

    Davy Wilson
    BBC News NI, in Limavady

    There were a few nerves before meeting Hillary Clinton, the head boys of both schools at the Shared Education Campus in Limavady admit.

    “But it was fantastic to have Secretary Clinton here this morning, really excellent to hear what she had to say,”Jack McCorkell of Limavady High says.

    Limavady is just a small town in Northern Ireland,Thomas Pattison from St Mary’s says, but the Clinton visit “just showcases the progress and how important the Good Friday Agreement has been”.

    It is great to have someone like her come and recognise the importance of the shared campus, he says.

    Jack McCorkell, head boy of Limavady High School, and Thomas Pattison, head boy of St Mary's Limavady