The British Prime Minister has committed to a stronger and deeper relationship with Ireland as he hosts the Taoiseach in the UK.

It’s the first time the two leaders have met face to face.

The luxurious and picturesque settings of Chequers, the home of the Prime Minister, are the background for these bilateral talks.

The Taoiseach arrived at the country house with a Donegal GAA jersey as Keir Starmer honeymooned there.

Meeting

Simon Harris is the British Prime Minister's first guest at Chequers, with Keir Starmer saying this was symbolic of the special relationship between the countries.

“I’m very keen to deepen and strengthen this relationship, so it’s very good to warmly welcome you hear,” he told the Taoiseach.

“It’s also a wonderful opportunity for us to discuss issues relating to Europe, security, and obviously we will have the President of Ukraine coming as well.

“I’m very pleased to have this early opportunity to what I see is resetting, strengthening and deepening our relationship so thank you so much for making the time.”

An aerial view of Chequers, the Prime Minsiter's residence. Image: Arcaid Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Mr Harris said he was “delighted” to congratulate the incoming PM on his election win in person.

“It means a lot to us that you have chosen to have us here as your first guest in Chequers,” he said.

“I'm really looking forward to as you rightly say resetting and the Anglo-Irish relationship, it's so deeply important and both our countries.

“I'm very well aware of the unique and important role we both hold as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement and I'm really looking forward to working with you demonstrating to our people what reset can look like.”

The pair have since gone into a private meeting ahead of dinner with officials.

Main image: Taoiseach Simon Harris and UK PM Keir Starmer at Chequers today. Image: Stephanie Rohan