Mrs Long told Ms Villiers how we deal with the legacy of the past is of critical importance and should be given a high priority.
Naomi Long MP said: “I welcomed the Secretary of State’s support for dealing with the past in a comprehensive manner and I was glad she understood its importance in reducing the underlying sectarianism and divisions that deeply affect our society.
“Our past will only be tackled effectively if consensus if found between all the political parties, but Ms Villiers’ predecessor Owen Paterson was unwilling to find that. I would urge the Secretary of State to convene talks between the parties to ensure this issue is no longer ignored because it is too difficult to resolve.
“We owe it to the generations of people who have been affected by the past to come to an agreement on this.”
ENDS