The Taoiseach is due to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer today to formally launch a programme of ‘strategic engagement’ between Ireland and the UK. 

Simon Harris will meet with Mr Starmer at Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park later this afternoon. 

The main purpose of the meeting is to formally launch a new programme of engagement between the countries and “reset relations”. 

They will also discuss the Good Friday Agreement and how to ensure the “moment of reset” suits all nations involved. 

They will discuss pressing international issues, including the situation in Ukraine and in Gaza. 

Harris meets Starmer

The Taoiseach and Prime Minister will also host a roundtable discussion with business representatives to hear their assessment of trends and opportunities in the Ireland-UK trade and investment environment. 

Following the meeting, Mr Harris and Mr Starmer will go to the Aviva Stadium for the Ireland vs England Nations League match. 

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Harris said it is “an important moment of reset in British-Irish relations”. 

“I look forward to discussing with Prime Minister Starmer how to ensure that we seize this opportunity to put relations on a better and stronger footing,” he said. 

“This will mean working on a joint plan to bring about a step-change in ambition and engagement between our two Governments over the coming period.” 

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with Taoiseach Simon Harris during a bilateral meeting at Chequers, 17/07/2024. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Mr Harris previously met Mr Starmer in July at Chequers following the Labour Party leader’s historic general election win. 

UK police have also travelled to Ireland this weekend and will be available to assist Gardaí at the Nations League match. 

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris explained the police will be in Gardaí control rooms and will not do any significant policing.  

“They have no policing powers – in effect, they are there to observe, assist us and indeed then if we have to deal with disorder, they may be able to assist us.  

 “They will be in our control rooms and if necessary then we can also deploy them with our public order units.” 

He noted that some English fans were previously handed football ban orders, preventing them from travelling abroad.