Burnham pledges 'further steps' to deepen ties with EU in meeting with Irish Taoiseach
Micheál Martin said a closer relationship between the UK and the EU would "be of benefit to the European Union and indeed to Ireland."
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated his commitment to further strengthening ties with the European Union during a meeting with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Manchester on Friday. Martin was the first international leader to visit Burnham's new regional office in No10 North, which is part of the Prime Minister's devolution initiative.
Burnham highlighted the UK's desire to collaborate closely with Ireland during its EU presidency and emphasized their shared objectives of working with the EU, enhancing security, and boosting trade.
Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to preserving the Good Friday Agreement and discussed the significance of the UK-Ireland relationship on every level. Burnham expressed his anticipation for the upcoming UK-EU summit, which was originally scheduled for July but postponed due to Keir Starmer's resignation. Starmer's successor, who plans to focus on aspects of Starmer's Brexit reset, including a potential youth mobility scheme, is expected to address these key areas during the summit.
Taoiseach Martin affirmed his eagerness to explore even stronger and closer relationships between the EU and the United Kingdom, which would benefit both parties, particularly Ireland. Burnham, who has previously advocated for the UK's rejoining the bloc, reframed his stance to avoid reigniting the contentious Brexit debate while campaigning for the Makerfield by-election in May.
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