Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the UK Labour Party, is set to visit the Republic of Ireland in a bid to reset relations between the two countries. The trip comes at a crucial time as tensions between the UK and Ireland have been heightened in recent years due to Brexit and the Northern Ireland protocol.
Starmer’s visit to Ireland is seen as an important step in building bridges and fostering closer ties between the two nations. The Labour leader will meet with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and other political leaders to discuss key issues such as Brexit, the Northern Ireland protocol, and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The visit comes as the UK government faces criticism over its handling of Brexit and the Northern Ireland protocol, which has created tensions between the UK and Ireland. The protocol, which was designed to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, has caused disruptions to trade and raised concerns about the future of the Good Friday Agreement.
Starmer has been vocal in his criticism of the UK government’s approach to Brexit and the Northern Ireland protocol, calling for a more collaborative and cooperative approach with Ireland. His visit to Ireland is seen as an opportunity to strengthen ties between the two countries and find common ground on key issues.
In a statement ahead of his visit, Starmer said, “I am looking forward to meeting with Prime Minister Martin and other Irish leaders to discuss how we can work together to address the challenges facing both our countries. It is crucial that we build strong and positive relations with our neighbors in Ireland, especially in light of the ongoing issues surrounding Brexit and the Northern Ireland protocol.”
The visit comes as Starmer seeks to position himself as a more statesmanlike and diplomatic leader, in contrast to Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s often controversial and confrontational approach. By reaching out to Ireland and seeking to reset relations, Starmer is aiming to show that he is committed to fostering positive and constructive relationships with the UK’s closest neighbors.
Overall, Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to the Republic of Ireland is a significant step in building bridges and resetting relations between the UK and Ireland. It is hoped that the visit will pave the way for greater cooperation and collaboration between the two countries, particularly on key issues such as Brexit and the Northern Ireland protocol.