Irish language spoken for first time during Prime Minister’s Questions

An SDLP leader spoke a ‘cúpla focal’ in the House of Commons

Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader, Claire Hanna made history when she spoke as Gaeilge in the House of Commons to mark both Seachtain na Gaeilge and St Patrick's Day.

Additionally, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer accepted her invitation to attend the Belfast Fleadh Cheoil.

The SDLP leader called PMQ's a 'fitting occasion' to use the Irish language, saying over the next few days people around the globe would be preparing to 'celebrate their Irish heritage and culture'.

She continued: "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."

When speaking of her invitation to the Prime Minister to attend the festival, she said relations between Ireland and the UK were 'more important than ever' in an 'increasingly turbulent world'.

"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," she added.