Irish Prime Minister Tells UK Leader to Protect Good Friday Agreement

Taoiseach Micheál Martin met with Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Number 10 North in Manchester, stating that both governments have a duty to "mind and progress" the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. The leaders discussed strengthening ties between the UK and Ireland, including boosting trade, security cooperation, and engagement with the European Union.

Burnham described the relationship between the UK and Ireland as vital on "every single level." He noted that as "co-custodians of the Good Friday Agreement," they are working together to uphold its principles, particularly as the 30th anniversary of the accord approaches. The Good Friday Agreement, also known as the Belfast Agreement, was instrumental in ending the 30-year conflict in Northern Ireland known as the Troubles.

During their meeting, Martin expressed his condolences to Burnham following the recent death of his father. Martin emphasized the importance of continued strong engagement between the two nations "in a global world marked by uncertainty." He reiterated their "significant obligations to mind it and to progress it and so forth" as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement.

Martin also indicated an interest in discussing enhanced relationships between the European Union and the United Kingdom, which he believes would benefit both the EU and Ireland. The meeting marked Burnham's first international visitor at the Number 10 North location.