Sir Keir Starmer has described his first official visit to Ireland as a “moment for reset” in relations between the UK and its closest neighbour.
He met Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris at Farmleigh House, the official state guest house, in Dublin on Saturday – becoming the first British prime minister to visit the Republic of Ireland in five years.
It comes after Mr Harris became the first international leader hosted by Sir Keir after he entered Downing Street following Labour’s election victory in July.
During a roundtable in the afternoon, the two leaders discussed the framework for an annual trade and cooperation summit between Ireland and the UK.
They said they had agreed the themes and structure of the first summit in March 2025, to be held every year thereafter.
“There’s a huge amount of bilateral trade between our countries. That was why this is such an important relationship,” Sir Keir said.
“Our economy, our markets, are intertwined and have been for a very long time. So, the foundation upon which we base this reset, I think, is strong.”
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The Irish premier described the prime minister’s visit as a “really great honour”, adding that the time they had spent together so far was “really appreciated”.
The two men “both wish to really place British-Irish relations on a new path”, he said.
Sir Keir replied: “It’s a pleasure to be here, to have this opportunity that we will take to renew the friendship between our two countries. That reset, I think, can be meaningful, it can be deep.”
Top of the agenda on his first visit as prime minister was trade across the Irish Sea – a relationship worth €100bn (£84bn) a year that makes up thousands of jobs.
The prime minister signs the official Irish state guest book in Dublin. Pic: PA
Sir Keir said he is also seeking a “wider EU reset” with other leaders in the bloc, and wants a “closer relationship with the EU”, following on from recent visits to Berlin and Paris.
He talked about the importance of “reducing the friction” between UK and Irish businesses post-Brexit and that of cooperation on defence and security.
The international conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East will likely be discussed too – as protesters against UK arms sales to Israel gathered in Dublin city centre on Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the two leaders will have meetings with various Irish businesses over the weekend – including Accenture, Keelings, and Primark, to encourage further trade and investment.
Football shirt swap ahead of Ireland game
Back at Farmleigh House, nine-year-old Freddie Munnelly, who received medical treatment in the UK, presented the two leaders with Irish and English football scarves.
The prime minister was also given an Irish football shirt with his name on it – while the Taoiseach was presented with an England jersey bearing his name.
Sir Keir Starmer and Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris exchange football shirts in Dublin on Saturday. Pic: PA
The two men will attend the England v Ireland England Nations League football match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin this evening.
Sir Keir commented: “It will make an appearance in my nine-a-side. This will be proudly worn in north London before too long.”
After shouts of “can we have Declan Rice back?” from a member of the public, Sir Keir replied: “No, absolutely not. He is fantastic.”