Ireland-UK relations will be at the centre of talks today as Taoiseach Micheál Martin meets UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Manchester. The meeting is expected to address bilateral cooperation, Northern Ireland and major European and international issues.
The Department of the Taoiseach said the meeting will take place on Friday, 18 September 2026, at No. 10 North in Manchester. The engagement comes as both countries continue work under the UK-Ireland 2030 strategic programme of cooperation.
Taoiseach meeting to focus on Ireland-UK cooperation
During the Taoiseach meeting, Micheál Martin and Andy Burnham will review the Ireland-UK bilateral relationship and assess progress made through the UK-Ireland 2030 programme. The partnership covers areas of shared interest and is intended to strengthen cooperation between both governments over the coming years.
The leaders will also look ahead to the next UK-Ireland Summit, which is scheduled to be hosted by the UK in 2027. The most recent summit took place in Cork in March, providing a platform for both sides to examine areas where closer cooperation can deliver practical benefits.
Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement
Northern Ireland will form a significant part of the discussions. The Taoiseach is expected to raise the Joint Framework on addressing the legacy of the Troubles, including the importance of implementing agreed measures for victims and survivors.
The meeting will also consider ways Ireland and the UK can work together to protect the wider success of the Good Friday Agreement and support reconciliation across these islands.
EU and international issues on the agenda
European and global affairs will also feature in the talks. The agenda includes Ireland’s current Presidency of the Council of the EU and preparations for the next EU-UK Summit. The leaders are also expected to discuss the war in Ukraine, Gaza and the broader situation in the Middle East.
While the meeting is taking place in Manchester, its agenda reflects the close political, economic and community links between Ireland and the United Kingdom. Relevant government bodies, including gov.ie and the Department of the Taoiseach, continue to publish official updates on Ireland’s international engagement.
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Irish community engagement in Greater Manchester
Following the formal talks, the Taoiseach and Prime Minister will meet members of the local Irish community and representatives of the wider Irish community in Greater Manchester. The visit highlights the important role played by Irish people and organisations across the region.
Speaking before departing for Manchester, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the meeting would reaffirm the strength and importance of the relationship between Ireland and the UK. He said the UK-Ireland 2030 programme had significant potential and that the discussions would help build momentum towards the 2027 summit.
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What the Manchester meeting means
The Taoiseach meeting provides an opportunity to maintain direct dialogue on issues affecting both countries. Its focus on strategic cooperation, Northern Ireland, European relations and international crises demonstrates the breadth of the modern Ireland-UK partnership.
For communities on both sides of the Irish Sea, continued engagement is particularly important as governments address historical issues, strengthen practical cooperation and support lasting reconciliation.
Key takeaway: The Taoiseach meeting with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham brings Ireland-UK cooperation, Northern Ireland and major international issues together at a significant moment for relations between the two countries.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
