Northern Ireland Office
Who is the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland?
Owen Paterson MP was appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 12 May 2010.
Who was the first Secretary of State for Northern Ireland?
The late Conservative MP William Whitelaw was appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in March 1972.
To date, 17 MPs have served as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
They are William Whitelaw (March 1972 to November 1973); Francis Pym (November 1973 to February 1974); Merlyn Rees (March 1974 to September 1976); Roy Mason (September 1976 to May 1979); Humphrey Atkins (May 1979 to September 1981); James Prior (September 1981 to September 1984); Douglas Hurd (September 1984 to September 1985); Tom King (September 1985 to July 1989); Peter Brooke (July 1989 to April 1992); Patrick Mayhew (April 1992 to May 1997); Mo Mowlam (May 1997 to October 1999), Peter Mandelson (October 1999 to January 2001); John Reid (January 2001 to October 2002); Paul Murphy (October 2002 to May 2005); Peter Hain (May 2005 to 28th June 2007) Shaun Woodward (June 2007-May 2010) Owen Paterson from 12 May 2010 to current day.
What are the ministerial responsibilities of the NIO team?
Owen Paterson MP is Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and has overall responsibility for the NIO. Hugo Swire MP is Minister of State.
What is the role of the Northern Ireland Office?
The role of the NIO is to focus on overseeing the Northern Ireland devolution settlement and representing Northern Ireland interests at UK Government level and UK Government interests in Northern Ireland. The department will, however, retain responsibility for national security in respect of Northern Ireland as well as Human Rights, elections, legacy issues (including current inquiries).
Where can I find out more about the NIO?
The Northern Ireland Office annually publishes a Departmental Report which provides detailed information about the work of the NIO.
How can I contact the Secretary of State or Ministers?
If your query relates to the work of the Northern Ireland Office, you can use the contact us link on this website or write to
The Secretary of State
Stormont House
Stormont Estate
Belfast
BT4 3SH
If your question relates to the work of one of the Northern Ireland Departments you should contact the appropriate Department.