The UK’s new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, recently hosted a meeting with Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s official country residence in Buckinghamshire. Aiming to renew and strengthen the strained Britain-Ireland ties under the past Tory government, both leaders viewed the meeting as highly crucial.
Before the European Political Community summit of leaders set to take place at Blenheim Palace, which is two hours away from London, the two leaders dined together in the lavishly adorned 16th-century country mansion. The choice of the location was notably historically significant. It was the setting of Theresa May’s infamous Chequers Brexit plan in 2018, which was a key contributing factor to her downfall as Prime Minister.
The engagement held added significance as it was Harris, the first foreign leader to be invited by Starmer, just two weeks after the Labour Party’s victory in the elections. Starmer declared the meeting as a “symbol” of the bond between the two nations and communicated his intentions of enhancing it.
Whilst discussing in the grand Hawtry room of the manor house, Harris conveyed profound appreciation for being the first visitor at Chequers, showing eagerness in re-establishing the UK-Ireland relations. Keir Starmer’s top advisor, Sue Gray, who formerly ran a pub in Newry, Co Down during The Troubles, was also present at the meeting.
The relationship between the respective capitals of the two countries has been turbulent in the past years, with significant tensions exacerbated owing to Brexit and the contentious legislations designed by the Conservative government to address The Troubles legacy.
The King’s address on Wednesday verified that the Labour administration is planning on annulling the Legacy Act. Upon entering Downing Street, one of Sir Keir’s initial actions was to engage in a telephonic conversation with the Taoiseach and extend an invitation for an in-person meeting. Prior to his encounter with the Prime Minister, Mr. Harris had indicated his anticipation to converse about Northern Ireland and the pressing matters in both Gaza and Ukraine.