Taoiseach calls for stronger UK-Ireland security co-operation amid rising global threats

British prime minister Keir Starmer with Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Picture: Phil Noble/PA

There must be "very, very close co-operation" between Ireland and the UK when it comes to security issues, the Taoiseach has said.

Micheál Martin was speaking following a UK-Ireland summit held in Liverpool this morning where he and British prime minister Kier Starmer discussed the "challenging geopolitical and international security environment".

Following what Mr. Martin called one of the most extensive UK-Irish summits in a generation, the two leaders released a joint statement outlining an agreed programme of co-operation through to 2030.

There have been "very concrete and substantial discussions" on economic relationships, trade, energy, security issues and migration, Mr Martin said.

"The joint statement we have released is very comprehensive and a number of work streams will now emanate from that which will provide greater opportunities for stronger connections, stronger synergies, stronger trade and investment," said Mr Martin.

In terms of trade, the leaders met with business groups in Liverpool, where Mr Martin said Ireland and the UK were identified by businesses as a safe haven in terms of investment.

Both men reaffirmed their commitment to working together on foreign and security policy, tackling threats to online safety and maritime security.

"The threats are now much different than the threats that would have faced us a decade or so ago," said Mr Martin.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheal Martin during a business roundtable at the Albert Dock (Phil Noble/PA)

He said security was discussed during his meeting with Mr Starmer on Thursday while justice minister Jim O'Callaghan spoke with British home secretary Yvette Cooper.

Among the recent challenges discussed was the rise in radicalisation leading to violence.

There is already a strong relationship between An Garda Síochána and the British police force and it is hoped that this can be built on.

"I think there is a lot we can do there to strengthen and enhance co-operation and share knowledge and expertise, alerts, being conscious of trends that are emerging," said Mr Martin.

The Taoiseach left Liverpool on Thursday afternoon to attend a special meeting of the European Council in Brussels to discuss support for Ukraine and European security and defence.

Ahead of the meeting, Mr Martin said the key topic that will be discussed will be the necessity to invest in military and defence capability.

"Without proper security capability, the capacity of economies to thrive is undermined and Europe wants peace, wants prosperity, but sees the need for enhanced capability on the security front," said Mr Martin.