Taoiseach to meet new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Taoiseach Simon Harris will travel to the UK later today to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

This evening’s bilateral meeting is due to take place at Chequers, the prime minister’s country retreat.

It is expected that the pair will discuss ways to improve Anglo-Irish relations.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Harris said the invitation extended by Mr Starmer was “a strong signal of the value he attaches to the friendship and closeness that saw our two countries achieve so much together in the past”.

Mr Harris also re-itereated that he wanted to see a “reset” of Anglo-Irish relations.

“I am fully committed to a stronger, mutually respectful and ambitious partnership between both countries, and to getting down to work to make this happen”, Mr Harris said.

The Taoiseach’s visit to the UK coincides with the UK’s official state opening of parliament and the king’s speech.

More than 35 separate pieces of legislation are expected to be announced.

Many will also be watching to see if plans to scrap the controversial Northern Ireland Legacy Act will be mentioned in the speech.

In its manifesto launched during the recent general election campaign, the Labour Party committed to repealing and replacing it “by returning to the principles of the Stormont House Agreement, and seeking support from all communities in Northern Ireland”.

After the King’s Speech at Westminster, the British Prime Minister will make his way to Chequers, where he will meet the Taoiseach.

Both leaders are expected to discuss Northern Ireland and will likely use the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to the Good Friday Agreement.

International issues are also likely to be discussed, such the situation in Gaza and in Ukraine.

Mr Harris has previously committed to being an ally of the UK when it comes to efforts to improve its relationship with the European Union and he is expected to update the prime minister on EU priorities.

The pair will sit down for a working dinner along with their officials.

They will meet again tomorrow, when leaders from across Europe gather for the European Political Community Summit in Oxfordshire.