Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed his commitment to resetting the relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland during a bilateral meeting with Taoiseach Simon Harris at Chequers. The meeting, which took place ahead of a dinner at the Prime Minister's country residence, marks the first visit by a foreign leader since Sir Keir assumed office.
Sir Keir described the talks as an opportunity to 'reset, strengthen and deepen' ties between the two nations, acknowledging the strains that have characterised the relationship in recent years. Mr Harris welcomed the sentiment, stating he was 'delighted' to congratulate the Prime Minister in person following his election victory.
The meeting comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions over Brexit and the UK's controversial Legacy Act, which dealt with the Troubles. The Labour government's King's Speech confirmed the repeal of the Legacy Act, a move expected to ease diplomatic friction with Dublin.
Discussions between the two leaders also covered Northern Ireland, as well as the situations in Gaza and Ukraine, according to Mr Harris's pre-meeting statements. The encounter precedes a major summit of European leaders at Blenheim Palace, where further bilateral engagements are anticipated.
