Keir Starmer has pledged a new era in Anglo-Irish relations after years of Brexit-induced toxicity, as he opened 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.
Speaking at the summit, Starmer outlined three themes for the meeting: economic growth, domestic security, and the transition to net zero. He described the talks as marking a 'new era' and a reset of relations after the 'turbulent years' of Brexit, which severely tested bonds between the UK and Ireland.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin thanked Starmer for being a 'centre of gravity and stability' at a time when transatlantic relations had been upended by Donald Trump. Martin also renewed Ireland's pledge to help the UK reset its relationship with the wider EU, saying he would do 'anything' to facilitate greater ties and reduce trade barriers.
The two leaders announced closer collaboration on subsea energy infrastructure, including a new data-sharing arrangement to connect offshore windfarms to onshore networks. They also agreed to map the sea basin for development and security of subsea cables.
Separately, Ireland unveiled a £180 million package of investment in the UK. The summit, attended by ministerial delegations on education, trade, energy and home affairs, was described by Starmer as 'really successful'.
