The UK government has subtly cautioned unionists that the Labour administration in Westminster might collaborate with the Republic’s Coalition to explore novel governance strategies for Northern Ireland should the Stormont executive collapse once again. The UK’s Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, expressed that another collapse – like the one experienced until February this year due to a DUP boycott over Brexit trade regulations – is unacceptable.
Speaking at an event at the British Irish Association conference held in Oxford, Benn commented on the instability of the devolved government, noting that it has been inactive for one-third of the time since 1998, something that wouldn’t be tolerated elsewhere. He stressed that the British and Irish governments would unite as co-guarantors of the Belfast Agreement to forge a path forward, should a suspension happen again. This warning was targeted at unionists who would be concerned with any Republic involvement in matters north of the border.
In his largely upbeat speech, Benn applauded the enhanced relations between the Republic and Britain since Labour came to power in July. He foresaw an opportunity for a significant and enduring reset. He commended the shared government formed between Sinn Féin and the DUP in 2021, recognizing the positive beginning it had.
His speech followed that of Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin. Martin noted that while British-Irish relations had been through a turbulent period post-Brexit that had revealed fresh challenges, there were reasons for optimism. He praised the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Emma Little-Pengelly of the DUP, for her optimism and dynamism.
Simon Harris and Keir Starmer are working to foster a positive relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland. The UK’s Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) is in need of a major overhaul, according to Mr Martin, especially in relation to its claimed independence. At present, the ICRIR is presided over by Declan Morgan, previously Northern Ireland’s lord Chief Justice.
Mr Martin spoke in favour of the growing bond between the Republic and Britain whilst also highlighting the challenges Brexit poses. He made it is clear that the Brexit agreement cannot be adjusted selectively by the UK alone. Such attempts to ‘cherry-pick’ terms in the agreement will not be favoured by the EU.
Discussing Brexit, Mr Martin referred to it as an example of how political decisions can negatively impact Anglo-Irish relations, which have recently been described as the worst they’ve been in over half a century.
Keir Starmer’s official visit to Dublin signifies a step forward in his endeavour to rebuild a relationship with Ireland – a country with which the UK shares a trading bond worth over £85 billion annually. This follows a period of tension sparked by discord over the post-Brexit arrangements, including disputes over the Irish border.
While in Dublin, Starmer will engage in an all-day conference with the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, along with a variety of business executives from companies such as Primark, Dawn Meats, the dairy firm Ornua and Glen Dimplex, a leading Irish exporter famous for manufacturing oil heaters.
Starmer and Harris are making a joint effort to build a strong Anglo-Irish rapport. Mr Martin noted that Ireland is open to a veterinary agreement to facilitate its substantial exports of cheese, butter and other farm products to the UK. However, the UK cannot simply submit a list of demands to the EU. Despite the EU’s desire for a positive relationship, it must be on a mutually beneficial basis with no opportunity for selective benefits.
Recently, Starmer convened with key figures like Olaf Scholz and Emmanuel Macron, leaders of Germany and France respectively. In another discussion prior to this meeting, the premier articulated that while the bond with these nations remains formidable, there is untapped potential in these relationships. His aim, he explained, is to shift this dynamic and seize the chance to expedite and enhance the delivery of benefits for the inhabitants of both the UK and Ireland, fuelling economic growth and prosperity across the board.
In terms of moving forward, the premier commented that he was entirely in sync with his counterparts, declaring they would be attending the Ireland versus England football game in Dublin the following Saturday.
The British-Irish Association conference in Oxford, on the other hand, saw Martin address the media. He expressed his views on reviewing the sanitary and phytosanitary rules as enforced by the Brexit trade agreement. He articulated that these revisions, which could potentially reduce bureaucratic red tape and public health certification for imports and exports between the two nations, were indeed sensical for UK businesses.
Martin further elaborated on the widely supported idea to simplify trade bureaucracy. He perceived simple solutions at hand, although he refrained from directing the UK government on what goals they should pursue. He stressed that such decisions should be assessed based on what is politically feasible for the UK. The Guardian and Bloomberg provided additional coverage on the matter.