Theresa May’s first new year message as Prime Minister called for unity after June’s Brexit vote. “If 2016 was the year you voted for that change, this is the year we start to make it happen,” she said. Mrs May reiterated her pledge to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty by the end of March, adding “As we face the opportunities ahead of us, our shared interests and ambitions can bring us together.”

The UN Security Council voted to support efforts by Russia and Turkey to end fighting in Syria. The two countries, which have backed opposite sides in the conflict, have led a ceasefire deal since Thursday. Russia has supported Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while the US, UK and France have insisted he should step down as part of any agreement.

US Secretary of State John Kerry accused Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of undermining hope of a two-state solution to its conflict with Palestinians. At the United Nations last week, America allowed the condemnation of Israel for settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Mr Netanyahu condemned Mr Kerry’s comments as biased. US President-elect Donald Trump tweeted in support of Israel, urging Israel to “stay strong” until he assumes office on 20 January.

First Minister Arlene Foster faced renewed calls to step down over issues surrounding the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. Mrs Foster survived an Assembly motion to exclude her from office last month. On Sunday, The News Letter reported that deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said there is an overwhelming desire in Northern Ireland for Mrs Foster to step aside.

Labour Party peer from Belfast, Baroness May Blood, told BBC Radio Ulster’s Talkback programme Jeremy Corbyn is “helping to destroy” the Labour Party. She criticised Mr Corbyn for not allowing party members in Northern Ireland to stand for election here. She said, “He may be a good, decent man, but personally I believe he’s helping to destroy the Labour party, and that would be a sad day for this country.”