Starmer announces annual summit for UK and Ireland

Sir Keir Starmer has announced that the UK and Ireland will hold annual summits on trade and cooperation in a bid to “reset the relationship” between the two countries.

- HOLLY EVANS, ARCHIE MITCHELL

During his first official visit to Dublin, the prime minister and Irish premier Simon Harris agreed on themes and structures for the first summit in March 2025. An “a la carte” Brexit reset is not on the table, the deputy prime minister of Ireland has warned. Micheal Martin added that while the EU wants a “good and warm relationship” with the UK, Starmer would not be able to “cherry-pick” new terms. He also blamed Brexit for the deterioration in relations between the neighbouring countries.

The two leaders met at Farmleigh House yesterday before watching the Republic of Ireland football team’s match against England. On his arrival, Mr Harris wished Sir Keir “a hundred thousand welcomes”, and said: “We both said we wish to really place British-Irish relations on a new path and I really appreciate the time that you’ve given to us since taking office, and I’ve tried to respond in kind.