Edinburgh, December 6, 2024—Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Simon Harris met today at the British-Irish Summit in Edinburgh, marking a key moment in the ongoing cooperation between the UK and Ireland and the continued commitment to the goals of the historic Good Friday Agreement.

The meeting reflected on the strong partnership that has developed over the past twenty-five years since the first British-Irish Council meeting in December 1999. In their discussions, the leaders highlighted the importance of the Council’s creation, born out of the landmark Good Friday Agreement, which continues to serve as a foundation for collaboration among the UK government, the Irish government, devolved governments, and crown dependencies.

A spokesperson from Downing Street noted, “The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the continued valuable cooperation between all parties and underscored the significance of this partnership. Looking ahead, he highlighted the upcoming UK-Ireland summit in March 2025, which promises to offer new opportunities for collaboration across various sectors.”

In addition to reflecting on the shared history, the two leaders also addressed critical ongoing challenges. Legacy issues in Northern Ireland were at the forefront of their conversation, with both leaders emphasizing the need for continued progress to support victims and communities in the region.

On the international stage, Prime Minister Starmer and Taoiseach Harris reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing conflict. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to standing by Ukraine as it continues to face unprecedented challenges.

The summit, which brought together key political figures from across the UK and Ireland, further solidified the commitment to mutual cooperation and the shared goals of peace, stability, and global solidarity.