Starmer and Harris pledge to restore Anglo-Irish relations ‘as a matter of urgency’

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris have pledged to reset and strengthen Anglo-Irish relations “with urgency and ambition”.

The Taoiseach “warmly congratulated” Sir Keir on his appointment and said he looked forward to a “close and constructive” working relationship.

Mr Harris also accepted an invitation to visit Downing Street on 17 July.

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“The Taoiseach and the Prime Minister spoke of their shared determination to redefine and strengthen the bilateral relationship between Ireland and the United Kingdom and to set about this task with urgency and ambition,” a statement said.

“They discussed Northern Ireland, welcoming the restoration of institutions, including the full operation of the North-South and East-West Good Friday Agreement institutions, as well as legacy issues.”

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly spoke to Sir Keir by telephone on Friday, where they congratulated him.

Ms O’Neill said she raised the need for a “reset” in British-Irish relations, funding for public services, the redevelopment of Casement Park and the Legacy Act.

“I have called on the Prime Minister to deliver on his commitments to end the Conservatives’ shameful Legacy Act, which has failed victims and survivors,” Ms O’Neill said.

“I will continue to press the UK government on the things that matter most to people, delivering public services and to all our communities as we engage in the coming days.”

Ms Little-Pengelly said: “We raised a number of important issues, including the importance of investment in ensuring the fiscal stability of Northern Ireland.

“We also spoke about the benefits of building a positive working relationship and strengthening links between the Northern Ireland Executive and the UK Government going forward.”

Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Micheal Martin said the Anglo-Irish relationship was rich and important after speaking to newly appointed British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Friday.

Mr Martin, who is Foreign Secretary, said the new UK government offered a “significant opportunity” and there was much to discuss.

The relationship between London and Dublin has been under severe strain in recent years.

The turmoil caused by Brexit and the Conservative government’s controversial laws to deal with the legacy of the conflict were areas of great tension.

Sir Keir has promised to repeal legislation offering conditional immunity to Troubles offenders.

“Today is a day to look forward,” Harris said at Dublin’s Government Buildings on Friday morning.

“This is about realising the full potential of that relationship between the Taoiseach and the Prime Minister and between our governments.

“I know Keir Starmer and I share a desire for him to go from strength to strength. It’s time for a great reset.”

Mr Martin said: “I was pleased to speak this evening with the UK’s new Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, and congratulate him on Labour’s election victory and his appointment to his new role.

“We agree that there is now a significant opportunity for a reset of our bilateral relationship.

“There is much for us to discuss and I look forward to discussing all of these issues with the Foreign Secretary in the period ahead.

“Our countries share a relationship that is as rich as it is important. We are close neighbors with close cultural connections. We are significant trading partners with countless family ties, reaching back to these islands.

“Most importantly, together, the British and Irish governments are co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement. I look forward to building on that foundation to secure positive progress together and take forward our shared agenda.”

On Thursday night, DUP leader Gavin Robinson said Sir Keir “is someone we have a good relationship with”, calling Labour’s victory an “extraordinary” result.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said she hoped “this new horizon will be embraced by the Labour Party”, adding that “there is much to be repaired”.

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