Taoiseach meets with UK prime minister to begin 'reset' of Anglo-Irish relations
Visit Minister Harris, Wire Uk Starmer, Keir To Chequers His With Picture: Taoiseach Simon Left, Carl During Prime Court/pa
Taoiseach Simon Harris has met with UK prime minister Keir Starmer to begin a "reset" of Anglo-Irish relations, with Mr Starmer saying the meeting represents a "new chapter" in the relationship.
Mr Harris arrived at Mr Starmer's English country retreat, Chequers, under heavy security to hold his first meeting with the new UK leader, who invited the Taoiseach on the day of his emphatic general election win.
Mr Harris said the invitation was a "strong signal" of the friendship between the two countries, which he hoped would be renewed and strengthened after years of difficulty over Brexit.
Mr Starmer said the fact the Taoiseach was the first world leader he received was "symbolic" of the importance of the relationship.
"It's symbolic of the reset arrangement which we've put in place to strengthen and deepen our relationship, so it's great to warmly welcome you," Mr Starmer told Mr Harris in the Hawtry Room at the Chilterns mansion.
Mr Starmer thanked the Taoiseach for "making time" to meet with him on the eve of Thursday's European Political Community meeting, which Mr Starmer will chair.
He said it was a chance to "strengthen" the bonds between the two leaders, who raised a pint of Guinness before a working dinner.
Mr Harris said he wanted to congratulate Mr Starmer on his election victory in person and that he was “excited” to reset the Anglo-Irish relationship.
He said that he was aware of the “unique and important role” that both men share as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement.
“I'm really looking forward to working with you and showing our people what a reset can look like,” Mr Harris said.
Mr Starmer said the role of both governments in protecting the Good Friday Agreement is “really important” and the two countries would work together on issues surrounding Northern Ireland.
“We will move on together to the next chapter of a stronger and deeper relationship," he said.
The meeting came as King Charles announced in his speech to open the new UK Parliament that Mr Starmer's government would “repeal and replace” the controversial Troubles Legacy Bill, something Mr Starmer has long signalled.
Mr Harris presented Mr Starmer with a Donegal GAA jersey, a nod to the new prime minister's affection for the county where he honeymooned in the early 2000s. To this day, Mr Starmer can be seen playing football in a Donegal top. He also mentioned Donegal in the House of Commons in 2022, paying tribute to those who died in the Creeslough tragedy.