- Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin became the first international leader to visit No 10 North, where he met Prime Minister Andy Burnham to discuss strengthening bilateral and UK-EU relations.
- Andy Burnham highlighted the crucial nature of the UK-Ireland partnership, noting their shared responsibility as co-custodians of the Good Friday Agreement ahead of its 30th anniversary next year.
- With Ireland holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union, both leaders expressed a mutual desire to deepen ties between the UK and the EU ahead of a scheduled UK-EU summit later this year.
- Micheál Martin praised Andy Burnham's leadership and commitment to international justice, particularly commending the UK's updated stance and sanctions regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
- The meeting occurred shortly after US President Donald Trump generated widespread headlines during a Dublin visit by expressing support for a united Ireland.
IN FULL
Burnham pushes for ‘deeper relationship’ with EU in No 10 North talks with Ireland’s Martin