NI Secretary of State visits Peace Centre

THE Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt. Hon. Mrs. Theresa Villiers, has been in Warrington visiting the Peace Centre.
Co-founders Colin and Wendy Parry welcomed the Rt. Hon. Mrs. Villiers and escorted her on a tour of the building, before she met with chief executive Nick Taylor and programme leaders Jo Dover and Kelly Simcock to receive an update on the work of the charity and the key challenges it faces.
The Foundation for Peace was created as a direct response to the Warrington bombings 20 years ago, and it now works internationally, but is still active to help reduce the risk to people and communities in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
The Foundation updated the Secretary of State on its vital work with survivors and victims of political violence and terrorism relating to the ‘troubles’, it also updated on its work in the prevention of violent conflict and the promotion of community good relations and called upon the Government to commit to support this work going forward.
Foundation Chairman and co-founder Colin Parry said: “It is 20-years since the IRA bombing in Warrington and both Wendy and I have found the support of each Secretary of State vital in achieving our ambition.
“This is the first meeting with Theresa and we are grateful that she took time to visit us, find out about our work and she will now be able to consider how we can make progress together for the future.”
The visit was also an opportunity for the Foundation to discuss wider security issues including the recent incident in Woolwich and to demonstrate the work that the Foundation is carrying out nationally and internationally in violent conflict prevention, resolution and response.
Nick Taylor, Foundation Chief Executive added: “Following the Belfast Agreement, our relationship changed in terms of the work we carry out to support victims, survivors and those affected by ‘troubles’ related violent conflict. This included the ending of funding from the UK Government and our work only continues due to the generosity of our supporters, grants from the Big Lottery and support from the Republic of Ireland Department of Foreign Affairs.
“Today was an opportunity to update on our work but also to put a clear case for our work to continue and for a close relationship to be developed with the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly to continue our vital contribution.”
The Foundation is hoping to hold further meetings with Government representatives over the coming weeks and months as a follow-up to this visit.