Theresa May: New PM calls Foster and McGuinness on first full day in office

Theresa May said she was looking forward to meeting with them in the near future.

The UK's new prime minister has spoken with the first and deputy first ministers of Northern Ireland.

They spoke on the phone on Thursday, during the prime minister's first full day in office.

Theresa May was congratulated on her appointment by both Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness, a Downing Street spokesperson has said.

Mrs May said she was looking forward to meeting with them in the near future.

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The spokesperson said Mrs Foster and Mrs May agreed there should be "continued engagement with the Northern Ireland executive on the negotiating process for the UK leaving the European Union".

Mr McGuinness and Mrs May discussed the implications of the EU referendum result.

"The Prime Minister said that officials and ministers would continue discussions on this issue, and ensure ongoing engagement with the Northern Ireland Executive", the spokesperson said.

Earlier on Thursday Mrs May appointed James Brokenshire as the new secretary of state for Northern Ireland.

He replaced Theresa Villiers, who turned down a non-cabinet role and quit the government.

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