MANCHESTER – Burnham: UK and Ireland seek closer alignment with the EU

LONDON, September 18 /ATSH-DPA/ – British Prime Minister Andy Burnham met today in Manchester with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, stressing the need to strengthen relations between the United Kingdom, Ireland and the European Union.

Martin was the first international leader to visit the British prime minister’s new office, “No 10 North”, in Manchester.

Burnham said the relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland is important on many levels and that both countries have shared interests in trade, security and cooperation with Europe.

Martin stated that Ireland wants a “stronger and closer” relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Ireland currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council and is expected to play a role in preparations for the upcoming EU-UK summit.

One of the main topics of discussion was also the Good Friday Agreement, the 1998 peace agreement that ended the main part of the conflict in Northern Ireland.

Both governments expressed commitment to preserving its principles as the agreement’s 30th anniversary approaches next year.

The agenda also included trade, Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and other international issues. Martin said the meeting was an opportunity to give “more momentum” to cooperation between the two governments.

The meeting takes place as part of the British government’s efforts to strengthen relations with the EU after Brexit.

In Dublin, meanwhile, British Chancellor John Healey was taking part in a meeting of European finance ministers, where London is seeking relief in the implementation of EU rules on “Made in Europe” procurement.

Burnham and Martin then held a meeting with representatives of the Irish community in Manchester.

The visit underscores the strong historical, economic and human ties between the two countries, as both governments seek to expand cooperation within the framework of the UK-Ireland 2030 strategic programme.