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. I am 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.
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.
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.
Read the full programme of cooperation here
