Europe, UK (Commonwealth Union) – Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to visited Dublin during the weekend to hold talks with Taoiseach Simon Harris, marking his first official trip to Ireland.
During this visit, Starmer aims to strengthen ties with key international partners and deliver benefits for working people in the UK. He had emphasized a new chapter in British-Irish relations, highlighting the potential for economic expansion through enhanced cooperation.
Ireland is one of the UK’s leading trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at €100 billion annually, supporting thousands of jobs on both sides.
Promoting economic growth is a core priority for the Prime Minister, and this visit underscores his commitment to raising the UK’s global profile, attracting investment, and creating more jobs for British citizens.
Starmer and Harris were also set meet during the visit with business leaders from companies such as Accenture, Keelings, and Primark to explore opportunities for increased trade and investment that could drive mutual growth.
Sir Keir Starmer indicated that the UK and Ireland enjoy deep bonds, rooted in the proximity, shared cultural heritage, and the strong connections between the people.
“Our relationship has never reached its full potential, but I want to change that. We have a clear opportunity to go further and faster to make sure our partnership is fully delivering on behalf of the British and Irish people – driving growth and prosperity in both our countries.”
The Taoiseach was the first foreign leader to be welcomed by the Prime Minister in the UK after the July election, underscoring the Prime Minister’s desire to foster a strong relationship between the UK and Ireland.
This visit follows the Prime Minister’s recent trips to Berlin and Paris, as part of his efforts to reset ties with key European partners.
On Saturday evening, the two leaders attended the Nations League football match between the Republic of Ireland and England.
Hilary O’Meara, Country Managing Director of Accenture in Ireland, stated that Accenture was pleased to join other Irish business leaders in meeting with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Simon Harris to explore shared business opportunities between our two nations.
Even though UK’s relationship with Dublin has been tense in the past many recent UK governments in recent years have been keen to move forward with optimism.
