Simon Harris to visit London in second St Patrick’s Day trip

Tanaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris speaking during a St. Patrick's Day political reception at the Embassy of Ireland in Paris, during his visit to France. 

Tánaiste and finance minister Simon Harris will begin his second St Patrick’s Day trip of the season in London on Sunday.

On his two-day visit to the English capital, Mr Harris will meet his UK counterparts — chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves and deputy prime minister David Lammy.

It follows a gathering of the UK-Ireland summit in Cork on Thursday and Friday and the Tánaiste’s trip to Paris earlier this week.

As part of the London leg of his trip, the Tánaiste will participate in a number of community events, including the London St Patrick’s Day parade today as well as meetings with a wide range of Irish community leaders.

Tanaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris during a St. Patrick's Day political reception at the Embassy of Ireland in Paris, during his visit to France. 

On Monday, he will address a roundtable with business executives at an event hosted by the British Irish Chamber of Commerce, as well as speaking at a Bloomberg Financial Services Forum later that morning.

The Tánaiste will also hold bilateral meetings with Ms Reeves and Mr Lammy. 

“Across Britain, hundreds of thousands of people claim Irish heritage,” Mr Harris said.

“Our families, culture and economies are deeply intertwined.

“The St Patrick’s Day festival provides an opportunity to connect and celebrate a shared heritage.

“I also look forward to meeting with representatives of companies across the UK to discuss our strong economic ties and our shared challenges and opportunities.

“Finally, following on from very constructive discussions at the UK-Ireland summit in Cork, I look forward to meeting with both chancellor Rachel Reeves and deputy prime minister David Lammy.

“In the context of our unique relationship with the UK, and at this time of global uncertainty, it is essential that we continue to foster close relationships with our nearest neighbour.”