The Irish and British governments have agreed to UK-Ireland 2030, a wide-ranging programme of new and enhanced strategic cooperation between Ireland and the UK, following the inaugural UK-Ireland Summit in Liverpool today, Thursdday, March 6.
Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer each led a delegation of high-ranking officials for the summit that culminated in a joint statement issued by the premiers.
Concrete & substantial discussions on trade, energy, security, migration & education at this morning’s UK & Ireland Summit.
The UK is a key strategic partner for Ireland. I welcome the shared ambition to reach the potential of our partnerships across our islands. pic.twitter.com/XwBQ6AiHjF
— Micheál Martin (@MicheálMartinTD) March 6, 2025
Martin and Starmer said their joint statement "represents the starting point for a strengthened relationship between the UK and Ireland, informed by our co-guarantorship of the Good Friday Agreement, and to be taken forward through an ambitious programme of co-operation between our two countries through to 2030."
The Taoiseach and Prime Minister added: "Our renewed programme of co-operation will be taken forward in a spirit of respect and affinity, and by a shared ambition to reach the potential of our partnership across our islands, recognising that, in a changing world beyond our shores, the benefits and significance of a stronger and more settled relationship between our two countries have never been greater."
Overall, the programme focuses on the UK and Ireland working together at home and across the globe; ensuring a strategic and efficient approach to shared maritime space to mobilise investment, support a healthy marine environment, and provide clean energy for our islands; agile, open economies working together to attract investment, innovate from knowledge and accelerate growth; and; developing the deep ties between people and cultures.
Speaking after the Summit on Thursday, Ireland's Tánaiste Simon Harris said he was "proud we have put in place now an ambitious programme of practical cooperation to benefit people across these islands over the lifetime of our two governments."
He continued: "In Liverpool, we agreed practical measures to support the many strands of our relationship.
"This includes cooperation on infrastructure delivery, and measures to support the vitally important trade and investment links between us - worth over €100 billion annually.
"We agreed also a focus on energy and maritime cooperation, particularly so as to realise the clean energy ambitions in the seas that we share.
"We will nurture continued cooperation in research and innovation, and, we will invest in culture, youth and sporting partnerships that foster ties and affinity between our people.
"Importantly, in a challenging geopolitical environment, we confirmed our commitment to the global multilateral system and international law as the foundations on which all of our international engagement and partnerships are built.
"We committed to work together on conflict prevention, peacebuilding, sustainable development and climate action.
"We were clear that the continued safety and security of our people is a priority for us both. I am pleased therefore that our strategic partnership includes, importantly, a focus on cooperation on maritime security and cyber security – shared challenges for us both."
Harris continued: "The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, joined the Summit today. Hilary and I were clear in Dublin last week that we make the greatest progress when our two Governments work together, particularly to support peace, prosperity, and reconciliation on this island.
"Rooted in our commitments as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, I am confident that today marks a new chapter in the Irish British relationship.
"Through our annual Summits, and in working through the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement, I look forward to a particularly fruitful period of partnership and cooperation in the service of people across these islands."
Today, at the first UK-Ireland Summit in Liverpool, we saw the realisation of an ambition I set in train with Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer last year to renew and rebuild the British Irish relationship. My full statement: https://t.co/fS26BoidMR pic.twitter.com/uFcfKZRJIJ
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) March 6, 2025
British Prime Minister Starmer said on Thursday: "Today’s summit really marks a new era in the relationship between the UK and Ireland.
"I think we’ve reset our relationship, turned a page on turbulent recent years and I think today’s announcements show that we’re serious about making our partnership meaningful, deep and beneficial for working people."
The UK and Ireland already share strong links across trade, business and investment.
Today we’re going even further to deliver growth and economic security for working people across our countries 🇬🇧🇮🇪
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) March 6, 2025
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