Sinn Féin’s vice-president Michelle O’Neill has said the party will take a “constructive approach” with the new leader of the UUP, as Doug Beattie steps down.

In a statement, O’Neill said: “I want to wish Doug Beattie and his family well as he announces today that he will step down as leader of the UUP.

“We have worked constructively since he became leader of his party, including during the restoration of the Executive and institutions at the beginning of this year.”

The first minister added: “I will continue this constructive approach with the new leader of the UUP when they take up post.

“Sinn Féin will continue to work together with all parties in the Executive and Assembly to ensure we deliver for all.”

Suella Braverman is the latest senior Tory to be cashing in on the international speaking circuit, as it was revealed she was paid nearly £60,000 for making speeches around the world, the highest of any current MP.

The former home secretary received £25,000 to speak in South Korea in May, according to the first register of MPs’ financial interests of this parliament, and she received £20,000 for another speaking engagement in India in March.

Braverman also declared that she received £14,000 for articles she wrote for the Telegraph, and she also had an all-expenses trip to Israel worth £27,800 paid for by the National Jewish Assembly.

Last month Braverman declared she received £11,800 for a five-hour talk to a financial intelligence and risk control firm in London, and she also made a speech in Washington during which she was paid £6,500 in expenses for the trip by the Edmund Burke Foundation.

England prison overcrowding emergency measures come into force

Rajeev Syal

Ministers have activated emergency measures to ease prison overcrowding as more rioters are sentenced for their role in the recent unrest.

The longstanding measures, known as Operation Early Dawn, allow defendants to be held in police cells until prison beds become available and could mean their court dates are delayed or adjourned at short notice.

The system was activated on Monday morning and means some defendants across the north of England waiting for a court appearance will be kept in police cells until prison space is available.

The government said that its action to “tackle violent thuggery on our streets” had “exacerbated longstanding capacity issues in our prisons”.

James Timpson, the prisons minister, said: “We inherited a justice system in crisis and exposed to shocks. As a result, we have been forced into making difficult but necessary decisions to keep it operating.”

He said the emergency measures would help “manage the pressure felt in some parts of the country”. He added that anyone who posed a risk to the public “will not be bailed” and police’s ability to arrest criminals woud not be affected.

Doug Beattie said he took over as leader at the beginning of a three-year election cycle with an overall aim of addressing the decline of the UUP, enhancing its influence and returning it to Westminster.

“Following the recent general election results, the party has now returned to the green benches after an absence of seven years,” he said.

“Our share of the vote had increased slightly, and we have also elevated a member to the House of Lords. This is something we have not achieved in 13 years; a move that demonstrates our increased influence at the highest levels of government.

“The party will now re-establish its parliamentary party to help increase our influence and ensure the Ulster Unionists’ voice, promoting a positive, optimistic, pro-union vision, is heard.

“These are small successes on the back of a difficult electoral results with a lot of work still to do, particularly in border constituencies. Nevertheless, they are successes which requires momentum to capitalise on the opportunities they present

In a statement, Doug Beattie said it has been a “huge honour” to lead the Ulster Unionist Party but added: “It has not been easy and at times it has been both lonely and isolating.”

“I am no stranger to leadership and that is how it often feels in taking a toll both physically and mentally. It also strains friendships and political relationships,” Beattie said.

“It is now clear that some believe the momentum needed to keep the Ulster Unionist Party moving in the right direction cannot come from me.

“Irreconcilable differences between myself and party officers combined with the inability to influence and shape the party going forward means that I can no longer remain the party leader.

“Therefore, I shall stand down as the party leader and allow the party to immediately begin the process to select a new leader who may maintain the confidence of the party and continue the momentum I have started.

“It is important to acknowledge the loyalty and support from many within the party. This includes the MLA group and many other elected and non-elected members.

“I must also acknowledge that some did not agree with the direction and path I set for the party and the vision I promoted. I hope they can see that in the long term only an inclusive Ulster Unionist Party, promoting a positive message, can secure our future.

“I hope the new leader is given the freedom to act.”