Keir Starmer has pledged a new era in Anglo-Irish relations, opening the first annual UK-Ireland summit in Cheshire. The prime minister said the need for a strong relationship between the two countries had never been greater, given the 'uncertain and unstable' global climate.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin thanked Starmer for being a 'centre of gravity and stability' amid upheaval in transatlantic relations caused by Donald Trump. Martin also renewed Ireland's pledge to help the UK reset its relationship with the wider EU, offering to do 'anything' to facilitate greater ties and reduce trade barriers.
The summit focused on three themes: economic growth, domestic security, and the transition to net zero. Starmer described the discussions as 'really successful', with ministerial delegations on education, trade, energy, and home affairs attending from both sides.
Earlier, the two leaders announced closer collaboration on subsea energy infrastructure to harness the potential of the Irish and Celtic seas. This includes a new data-sharing arrangement to connect offshore windfarms to national grids and a joint mapping of the sea basin for security and development purposes.
Separately, Ireland unveiled a £180 million package of investment in the UK. Starmer said the summit marked a reset of relations after the 'turbulent years' of Brexit, which had severely tested bonds between the two countries.
