12 March 2025

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Keir Starmer to attend the Belfast Fleadh Cheoil.

She made the invitation during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday, with the PM agreeing to come to Belfast.

Ms Hanna also spoke in the Irish language for the first time in the history of PMQs to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge and St Patrick’s Day.

South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said:

“It was a fitting occasion to mark both Seachtain na Gaeilge and St Patrick’s Day by using Irish for the first time at PMQs as people around the world get ready to celebrate their Irish heritage and culture with celebrations over the next few days.

“I was also delighted to take this opportunity to invite Prime Minister Keir Starmer to visit Belfast for the Fleadh Cheoil. The Belfast Fleadh will have visitors from right across these islands and further afield flocking to Belfast to take part in the festivities. It will be a chance for people to come together to see the best of what our city has to offer and I look forward to welcoming the PM to Belfast.

“My invitation was extended in the spirit of the renewed relations between Britain and Ireland, more important than ever giving the turbulent state of the world at the moment. There will always be a close bond between these two islands and It’s important that we take the opportunity to reach out when it presents itself.”