Good Friday Agreement commitments featured prominently as UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham met Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Manchester on Friday.
Martin became the first international leader to visit No 10 North, Burnham’s new base in Manchester. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the 1998 peace agreement and discussed closer cooperation between the UK and Ireland.
Burnham said the relationship between Britain and Ireland matters “on every single level”.
He also described the two governments as “co-custodians” of the Good Friday Agreement. He said they would work together to uphold its principles as the agreement approaches its 30th anniversary next year.
Martin Calls for Progress on Peace Deal
Martin said both governments have important responsibilities under the agreement.
He said the UK and Ireland must continue to protect the deal and make progress on its implementation.
The Irish leader also said the meeting came at an important time. He pointed to uncertainty around the world and stressed the value of continued engagement between the two neighbouring countries.
Martin also offered his sympathies to Burnham after the recent death of the prime minister’s father.
The Taoiseach said the meeting could add further momentum to the partnership between the two governments.
Leaders Discuss Northern Ireland and the Troubles
Northern Ireland featured prominently in the talks.
The two leaders discussed the legacy of the Troubles and efforts to support reconciliation.
A Downing Street statement said they reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the legacy of the conflict and working towards lasting reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
The Good Friday Agreement, also known as the Belfast Agreement, helped establish a political framework for ending decades of conflict in Northern Ireland.
The agreement also created arrangements for power-sharing and set out provisions concerning Northern Ireland’s constitutional future.
UK and Ireland Seek Closer EU Ties
The talks also covered relations between the UK and European Union.
Ireland currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU. Martin said he wanted to discuss a stronger relationship between the UK and the EU.
Burnham has also said he wants closer UK-EU ties. The two governments are preparing for the next UK-Ireland summit, which Britain plans to host in the first half of next year.
Trade and security also formed part of the discussions.
The leaders additionally discussed international issues, including Ukraine and the wider situation in the Middle East.
Martin Visits Irish Community in Greater Manchester
After their meeting, Burnham and Martin visited the Brian Boru Irish Club in Ashton-in-Makerfield, part of Burnham’s constituency.
The visit highlighted the strong Irish connections across Greater Manchester and the wider North West.
Burnham said those links made Martin’s visit to Manchester particularly fitting.
The meeting at No 10 North marked an important step in the leaders’ relationship. Both sides said they want to strengthen cooperation while continuing to uphold the principles of the Good Friday Agreement.
