Taoiseach to meet UK prime minister Keir Starmer in Cork 

Mr Martin and Mr Starmer are to take part in a series of engagements reflecting the theme of ‘Shared Prosperity, Shared Seas, Shared Ties’. File image.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will today meet UK prime minister Keir Starmer in Cork for the UK-Ireland Summit.

The meeting forms part of the second annual summit, after both leaders agreed last year to launch a programme of cooperation, spanning trade, energy, maritime security, emergency planning, and cultural connections.

Speaking in Cork ahead, Micheál Martin said: “On behalf of the Government, I am delighted to welcome Prime Minister Starmer and accompanying UK ministers to Cork.

“At our inaugural UK-Ireland Summit in Liverpool last year, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and I agreed a comprehensive programme of strategic co-operation which is now beginning to deliver for the people of these islands. 

"Today we will mark the progress on what has been achieved over the course of the past year and reaffirm our commitment to deepen and broaden further the co-operation, friendship and partnership between Ireland and the UK this year and out to 2030.” 

Mr Martin said the summit takes place “against an uncertain global backdrop” and will be an opportunity to “take stock of international issues” – such as the “concerning situation in the Middle East and Gulf Region, and in Ukraine”.

Mr Martin added: “Each day we see how international events can impact also on our domestic ambitions and daily lives, as well as on global security.”

The summit takes place today and tomorrow, and the politicians will “set out further ambitions” for UK-Ireland cooperation for the remainder of this year and until 2030.

A statement from the government said Mr Martin and Mr Starmer will also take part in a series of engagements reflecting the theme of ‘Shared Prosperity, Shared Seas, Shared Ties’.

This will include a research-focused visit, a business roundtable, a civic and cultural reception, and a discussion with young people from across Ireland and the UK.

They will also discuss how they can work more closely together in laying the groundwork for future prosperity through infrastructure, competitiveness, clean energy, skills and innovation.