Starmer made these remarks during a brief bilateral meeting with Taoiseach Simon Harris at Chequers, ahead of their dinner at the English country house.

“I am very pleased to have this very early opportunity to, what I see as resetting, strengthening and deepening our relationship,” Starmer said.

Harris responded, “I am delighted to be here too, to congratulate you in person. It means a lot to us, a lot to Ireland.”

Harris is the first international leader to visit the UK since Starmer was elected prime minister.


In recent years, relations between Dublin and London have been severely strained, largely due to Brexit and the Conservative government’s controversial laws addressing the legacy of the Troubles.

The British King’s speech on Wednesday confirmed that the Labour government will repeal the Legacy Act.

One of Starmer’s first actions as prime minister was to hold a phone conversation with the Taoiseach and extend an invitation for a face-to-face meeting.

Harris had indicated beforehand that he expected to discuss Northern Ireland, Gaza, and Ukraine during his meeting with Starmer.

The meeting takes place on the eve of a major summit of European leaders at Blenheim Palace.