On Thursday, David Lammy became the first British foreign secretary to travel to Dublin in seven years as he met with Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin. The engagement was kept private, so there was no interaction with the public or a press conference, following the protocols established during Keir Starmer’s September visit to Ireland.
In an announcement on Thursday evening, both Lammy and Martin conveyed that their discussion at Iveagh House was a significant occasion to reaffirm both governments’ commitment to strengthening the British-Irish relationship.
Minister of State for the Constitutional European Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, was present alongside Lammy. Observers consider him an increasingly vital player in London’s dealings with Brussels.
Lammy also engaged in separate discussions with Jennifer Carroll McNeill, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, updating her on his recent meetings with EU officials, among them being Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president.
While discussing British-Irish affairs, both Martin and Lammy placed special emphasis on improving connections between the people of both nations, promoting enhanced trade and investment, and strengthening vital strategic ties, yet the specifics regarding these discussions remained minimal.
Regarding the first annual UK-Ireland Summit scheduled in March, they agreed to boost co-operation on foreign and security policy matters, nonetheless, they refrained from divulging further details.
They touched upon the major international crises and voiced their countries’ support for Ukraine. They underscored the necessity of preserving multilateralism and international law. Their joint statement stated that agreement was reached on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the liberation of hostages, unrestricted humanitarian aid access, and a renewed focus on a two-state solution as the only credible route to lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians.
The unreserved criticism of Iran’s aggressive actions towards Israel was voiced, coupled with a severe worry about the escalating conflict in the area. The necessity for an immediate halt of hostilities between Hizbullah and Israel was mutually agreed upon, underscoring that a diplomatic resolution stands as the sole means of reinstating peace and safety.