BBC NewsHour

Trump says united Ireland would be a 'great thing'

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US president Donald Trump has said a united Ireland would be a 'great thing' on two-day visit to Dublin and the west of Ireland - a comment likely to inflame tensions over the status of Northern Ireland.

The British government responded by saying there was no majority support for a referendum on unification, which is what is outlined in a 1998 peace deal.

Also in the programme: Saudi Arabia has shut a key oil pipeline after a drone attack launched from Iraq; we will hear from Ukrainian's oldest literary festival, as questions remain on the use of Russian language in Ukraine; and why Wembley Stadium in London will tonight be filled with music-loving Punjabis.

(Photo shows US president Donald Trump in Dublin during his trip to the Republic of Ireland on 12 September 2026. Credit: James Manning/PA)
12 Sep 9AM English United Kingdom News

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