We were delighted to welcome renowned Times journalist and former Foreign Editor Martin Fletcher to Belfast Interface Project last week. Martin was accompanied by Cathal McNaughton, a Pulitzer Prize winning photographer, who documented the visit.Martin visited BIP as part of his ongoing work exploring the challenges facing interface communities and the complex process surrounding the removal of the remaining peace walls across the city.

During his visit, Paul Smith and Mark Arthur met with him to discuss the realities of working in interface areas today. We spoke about community safety, engagement, regeneration, and the ongoing need for trust building and long term support in communities most affected by division.

The visit concluded with a detailed tour of several peace walls, where we walked Martin through the history, context, and lived experience surrounding these structures. This gave him a firsthand look at the physical and social barriers that still shape daily life in many parts of Belfast, and the vital role BIP continues to play in supporting positive change.

We look forward to reading his upcoming coverage, which will shine a wider light on the ongoing need for investment, collaboration, and sustained progress toward a safer, more connected, and shared Belfast.