Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin welcomed UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to Iveagh House on 3rd October 2024. Following the September visit by Prime Minister Starmer to Dublin, the visit provided an important opportunity to underscore the commitment to and ambition of both Governments for the British Irish relationship.
The Tánaiste and Foreign Secretary Lammy were joined by Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Minister for the Constitution and EU Relations who updated them on the meeting of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels yesterday. They agreed on the importance of a positive UK-EU relationship and looked forward to further work to strengthen cooperation.
The Tánaiste and Foreign Secretary placed a particular focus on investing in connections between our people, supporting sustainable economic growth through increased trade and investment, and deepening key strategic links that deliver in the long-term for both our countries.
Looking ahead to the first annual UK-Ireland Summit in March 2025, given the common global and security challenges that we face, they agreed to intensify cooperation on foreign and security policy issues as well instituting annual political consultations at senior official level. They agreed to explore closer cooperation on peacebuilding.
The Tánaiste and Foreign Secretary focussed also on pressing global and security concerns.
Following their recent engagements at the United Nations, they emphasised the critical importance of protecting multilateralism and international law. They underlined both countries’ resolute support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal war. At what is a critical moment in the Middle East, they agreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, unhindered access for humanitarian aid and renewed focus on a two-State solution which is the only viable path to lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians. They condemned Iranian attacks on Israel, expressed deep concern about spiralling violence in the region and agreed the need for an immediate ceasefire between Hizballah and Israel. A political solution is the only way to restore stability and security for those innocent people living either side of the Lebanese-Israeli border.
They discussed opportunities to work together on international development and the fight against poverty, hunger and malnutrition, and on climate action, where both ministers looked forward to COP 29 and the Foreign Secretary set out the UK’s plans for a Global Clean Power Alliance.
Recognising the fundamental role of both governments as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, the Tánaiste and Foreign Secretary touched also on developments in Northern Ireland, welcoming the importance of the constructive early engagements with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. They noted the importance of the full and faithful implementation of the Windsor Framework, as well as engagement between the Irish and UK governments as the UK government works to repeal and replace the Legacy Act.
The Tánaiste and the Foreign Secretary agreed on the importance of a positive UK-EU relationship, noting that the EU and the UK are like-minded partners with shared values facing a globally challenging environment. They agreed that there is real potential for the UK and the EU to work further together to mutual benefit. They welcomed the recent agreement of Prime Minister Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take forward an ambitious agenda of strengthened cooperation at pace over the coming months.
Finally, they welcomed the ambition for the relationship, as reflected by Ireland’s decision to open a new Ireland House in central London in 2026. Delivering on commitments in the Global Ireland Strategy, Ireland House will bring Ireland’s Embassy and state agencies together under one roof for the first time and is a clear expression of intent and confidence in the UK-Ireland relationship into the future.
Modelled on the successful Ireland Houses in operation or under development across the globe, including New York, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo, the investment will underpin a trading partnership worth €120 billion annually, as well as rich cultural, community and diaspora relationships. It also builds on Ireland’s government investment across Great Britain in recent years, including the opening of a new Consulate General in Manchester in 2021, and deepened partnerships with Scotland and Wales.
The Tánaiste and Foreign Secretary look forward to advancing a programme of cooperation that will further underscore relationship renewal in the period ahead.
