Belfast, Monday

UNIPA News: Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill on Monday afternoon declined to attend a second cabinet briefing on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly described the decision as “genuinely disappointing.” O’Neill had also not participated in a similar briefing held on Saturday.

The First Minister has previously described the UK government’s direct involvement in the war as “wrong.” UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer agreed to a request from the United States to allow British military bases to be used for what were described as “defensive” strikes on Iranian missile sites.

The move followed coordinated strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran on Saturday, which resulted in the death of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In response, Iran launched missiles and drones across the region, targeting Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, and vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Monday’s cabinet briefing was held virtually from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) headquarters in Belfast, with Little-Pengelly in attendance. She said participants were not being asked for their views on “military manoeuvres or tactics” during the sessions with senior security and government officials.

“These briefings will give us an overview of what is happening in a military sense in the region to inform us about the impact of this conflict on the UK, on us here in Northern Ireland, but in particular, on the many thousands of people who are currently in the region and feeling very apprehensive,” she said.

Little-Pengelly emphasized the importance of obtaining accurate and comprehensive information, adding that her primary concern was the safety of Northern Ireland residents in the affected areas.

“My view is that we have a responsibility to be here,” she said, noting that she would not engage in a public dispute with the First Minister over the issue.

In a post on social media, O’Neill stated that she would “not be part of any briefing by the British government on their military operations.” She described the war as “reckless and irresponsible,” adding that further escalation, including the involvement of the British government, reflected “a dangerous disregard for international law.”

Earlier at Stormont, O’Neill characterized the weekend’s events as a “spiralling conflict” and “deeply disturbing,” reiterating her fundamental disagreement with the UK government’s approach.

“This is a war that should never have begun,” she said.

Meanwhile, Little-Pengelly maintained that it was “absolutely right” for the UK government to play its part, particularly in a defensive capacity to protect citizens and prevent further escalation. She added that lessons must be learned from previous experiences, emphasizing that there is broad desire for peace and stability in the Middle East.

UNIPA News