UK and Northern Ireland announce new round of talks following death of journalist

Journalist Lyra McKee's killing sparks new attempt to resolve divided region's political impasse

British Prime Minister Theresa May and Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Leo Varadkar attend the funeral of journalist Lyra McKee at St. Anne's Cathedral in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Reuters

The fatal shooting of journalist Lyra McKee has led to British and Northern Ireland leaders announcing a new round of political talks.

On Friday, British Prime Minister Theresa May and her Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar said an agreement had been reached involving all the main political parties in Northern Ireland.

It follows the killing of McKee, 29, during rioting last week in the city of Londonderry, also known as Derry.

Her death at the hands of the New IRA splinter group led to widespread calls to end the political impasse which has left Northern Ireland without a functioning government since January 2017.

Voters have been pressuring the two governments to re-establish the regional administration that is central to Northern Ireland's 1998 peace agreement.

"In coming together with other political leaders in St Anne's Cathedral to pay tribute to Lyra McKee, we gave expression to the clear will and determination of all of the people of these islands to reject violence and to support peace," the British and Irish governments said in a joint statement.

"We also heard the unmistakable message to all political leaders that people across Northern Ireland want to see a new momentum for political progress. We agree that what is now needed is actions and not just words from all of us who are in positions of leadership."

The governments said details of the proposed approach will be revealed later.

"In addition, we have agreed that there should be a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference during the same period. The Conference will consider East/West relations, security co-operation, and political stability in Northern Ireland.

"We understand the complexity of the underlying concerns of all parties, and the need for renewed trust, mutual respect, generosity and new thinking to resolve the issues.

"As Prime Minister and Taoiseach, we are determined to work together to ensure this process comes to a successful conclusion."