The contrast between that warm exchange and the silver teapot once presented by former taoiseach Charlie Haughey to British prime minister Margaret Thatcher could not have been more pronounced. If Mrs Thatcher graciously received the gift in 1980, irreconcilable differences between the leaders about the future of Northern Ireland ensured that the rest of tea service was never going to arrive, to quote the joke in political circles at the time.

This time around, the situation looks entirely different. Even before taking office, Mr Starmer promised to repeal and replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, a piece of legislation that had the singular distinction of uniting all parties in opposition to it.

In the same way, there was a cross-party welcome when King Charles announced measures to replace it in his speech at the state opening of parliament on Wednesday. Crucially, he added the words “in consultation with all parties”.

There is still no timeline and the details have yet to be teased out, but Mr Starmer has already shown that he understands the need to provide a real pathway to justice for the people of Northern Ireland.

It also seems clear that he is willing to tackle the tough issues beyond the veneer of soft-focus diplomacy and photo opportunities. Mr Starmer made a point of saying that the Taoiseach was the first world leader he received in his tenure.

It was, he said, symbolic of the importance of a reset in the relationship between Ireland and the UK.

But his actions went beyond symbolism as was evident from a bilateral meeting with Mr Harris on the eve of yesterday’s European Political Community Summit.

During that meeting, Mr Starmer spoke of the “unique and important role” that both leaders shared as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement.

The two leaders agreed to hold annual summits and work together on a range of issues, from Northern Ireland and relationships with the EU to migration and forging closer links.

The Taoiseach was more than heartened by the discussion. “I can’t overstate the significance of this evening’s meeting,” he said of a coming-together that could never have taken place with recent Conservative leaders, from Rishi Sunak to the bombastic Boris Johnson.

At a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin is dialling up the aggression in the East and another Donald Trump presidency looks increasingly likely in the West, it is reassuring to know that the UK’s new leader seems genuinely committed to building relationships and fostering trust with Ireland and Europe.

Give blood

Donating blood is an anonymous gift from one citizen to another in need. Unlike so many other transactions, no money changes hands and the donor will probably never know how their blood will help others but it does, in myriad ways.

In short, giving blood saves lives.

Earlier this month, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) issued an urgent call for donors as supplies were dangerously low, in some cases with just two days’ stocks remaining.

Up to 2,000 blood donations are needed this month to prevent further shortages. While summer is a time for travel and holidays, it is important to remember that the demand for blood does not respect calendar time.

The IBTS has also called for new donors from diverse backgrounds, in particular those of African heritage as they are ten times more likely to have the Ro blood type so urgently needed to treat people with sickle cell disease.

New technological advances mean that the service can now accept donations from a far broader range of donors than before. Let us hope those donors will hear the call to action.