Lyra was a brilliant, talented journalist and is a true loss to Northern Ireland: Karen Bradley

Speaking in the House of Commons on the eve of the North Belfast woman's funeral in Belfast, Mrs. Bradley, said: "This is, first and foremost, a personal tragedy for the family and friends of Lyra who fully expected her to come home that evening.

"It is a truly shocking and heartbreaking situation for them, and we can only imagine the devastating pain they must feel - something they should never have had to endure. I know the whole House will want to join me in extending our deepest sympathies to her partner Sara and her family, friends and colleagues."

Mrs. Bradley told MPs that she visited Derry on Saturday to sign a book of condolence that had been opened by the Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Councillor John Boyle.

"On Saturday I had the privilege of thanking a number of them in person and of paying my respects to Lyra at the guildhall with John Boyle, the mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council. As we signed the book of condolence, he told me the touching anecdote that he was one of Lyra’s first journalism tutors," she said.

The Secretary of State said she had been struck by the impact that Lyra had had on those who knew her.

"Lyra was a brilliant, talented journalist and is a true loss to Northern Ireland.

"She was a role model to many, and she always fought to make Northern Ireland a better place. Nothing we say today can take away the pain that her family must be experiencing now, but what I can say to her family, the people of Derry and the whole of Northern Ireland is that we will continue to strive for peace in Northern Ireland.

"We are behind them, and we are united in rejecting those who seek to undermine peace with terror. They have no place in our society and they must be dealt with under the law. The people responsible for Thursday’s sickening attack will never win," she stated.

She said that while small republican groups remained committed to violent attacks she insisted they would not succeed.

"It remains the case across Northern Ireland that small numbers of dissident republican terrorists remain intent on killing, but what we have seen in the days since Lyra McKee’s death is that the communities they claim to represent and seek to control do not want them. ​Those communities want peace, prosperity and progress, and they want no part of the sort of mindset that leads to the death of a young woman simply doing her job.

"To those responsible for this act of terrorism, we say, 'We have heard your excuses and your hollow apologies. No one buys it. This was no accident. There is nothing that can justify this murderous act, and you are being called out for what you really are.'

"Church and community leaders have united their voices in condemnation, as have those across the political spectrum. Those voices of peace are strong, united and louder than those who peddle hate and division in a city with so much to offer," said Mrs. Bradley.

The Secretary of State said that it was incumbent on all politicians to work for the restoration of the power-sharing institutions in Belfast.

"I have heard those in Northern Ireland calling for the political leaders now to come together, and I am sure the whole House will join me in welcoming the united display from the leaders of the political parties in the Creggan estate on Friday.

"The Belfast agreement has formed the bedrock of peace since it was reached just over 21 years ago, and it must be upheld and defended against those who would seek to undermine it. I intend to hold discussions with party leaders later this week to see what progress can be made.

"Our clear and overriding objective must be the restoration of all the political institutions established by the Belfast agreement. Northern Ireland’s politicians need to take charge, including in the vital area of tackling all forms of paramilitary activity, but today is not a day for party politics.

"Lyra McKee was a young, vibrant woman who symbolised the new Northern Ireland—a modern, dynamic, outward-looking place that is open to everyone, regardless of their community background, political aspirations, race, gender or sexuality—yet, last Thursday, she was killed in the most tragic of circumstances.

"It should not have happened, and it cannot be in vain. All of us must take inspiration from what Lyra achieved in her life in wanting to make Northern Ireland a brighter place for everyone. Lyra once wrote of being part of the Good Friday agreement generation and of the need to reap the spoils of peace. Our lasting tribute to Lyra must be to ensure that we continue to work for peace for the whole of Northern Ireland," said Mrs. Bradley.