Ireland-UK Summit Marks ‘New Era of Co-operation’ as Martin and Starmer Strengthen Ties

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have kicked off the first-ever UK-Ireland Summit, a major bilateral meeting aimed at resetting relations and deepening co-operation between the two nations in the post-Brexit era.

The two-day summit, held in Liverpool, brings together key government ministers from both countries to discuss strategic economic, security, and energy partnerships through 2030.

Key Takeaways from the Summit

Strengthened UK-Ireland Business and Trade Relations
- The Taoiseach and Prime Minister are co-hosting a joint business roundtable with industry leaders from tech, finance, clean energy, manufacturing, and construction.
- The focus is on economic growth, investment, and resilience in UK-Irish trade.
€215 Million (£185.5 Million) Irish Investment in the UK
- Ireland is announcing new investments into the UK, which are expected to create over 2,500 jobs.
- The UK government hailed this as a major step in deepening economic ties.
New UK-Ireland Energy Partnership
- The leaders will unveil a new data-sharing arrangement to boost offshore energy production.
- This aligns with both nations' goals to expand renewable energy, AI, and technology collaboration.

Martin and Starmer on Strengthening UK-Irish Relations

Taoiseach Micheál Martin emphasized the significance of the summit, calling it:

“One of the most significant bilateral engagements between the British and Irish Governments in a generation.”

He praised Starmer’s leadership and expressed a desire to “realize the full potential of the British-Irish relationship”, including in infrastructure, SMEs, marine planning, and education.

Starmer echoed this sentiment, calling the summit a "new era of co-operation and friendship."

“I don't believe that the relationship between the UK and Ireland has ever reached its full potential, and with this summit, we’re going to change that.”

Security and Ukraine Discussion

While the summit primarily focuses on economic co-operation, growing security concerns in Europe and NATO were also raised.

Martin was asked about UK defence spending, including a £1.6 billion missile deal for Ukraine, following criticism from Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill.
He rejected O’Neill’s concerns, stating:

“Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Europe needs to improve and enhance its capability to deter any encroachment on an EU member.”

Click to expand...

Looking Ahead

Martin will travel to Brussels on Thursday afternoon for a European Council meeting on security and defence.
Starmer aims to further reset UK-Irish ties, marking a historic shift in post-Brexit relations.

With both leaders committed to long-term co-operation, this summit signals a major step forward in UK-Ireland diplomacy.