Burnham meeting an opportunity for 'momentum' - Taoiseach
Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin met with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Manchester to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss EU-UK relations. The leaders addressed shared concerns including Northern Ireland, the Middle East conflict, and support for Ukraine.
Why it matters
This meeting marks a significant diplomatic engagement between Ireland and the new UK leadership, signaling a focus on post-Brexit cooperation.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said his meeting with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is an opportunity to "inject further momentum" into the partnership between the two governments.
The Taoiseach met Mr Burnham in Manchester - becoming the first international leader to visit Number 10 North, the new North of England outpost of Downing Street.
Mr Martin said it had been a "very challenging and difficult week" for Mr Burnham following the death of his father Roy and "I think your sense of duty shines through".
The Taoiseach said that "in a global world marked by a lot of uncertainty" it was important for the two close neighbours to have "very strong engagement".
He said: "We look forward to discussing with you even stronger and closer relationships between the European Union and the United Kingdom, which will be of benefit to the European Union and indeed to Ireland, quite frankly."
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