UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin held their first official meeting in Manchester on Friday, marking the first time an international leader has visited No 10 North. The discussions focused on strengthening UK-Ireland relations, alongside broader European and international issues.

Andy Burnham and Micheál Martin Hold Historic Manchester Talks

Taoiseach Martin thanked Prime Minister Burnham for his stance on Israel, referencing sanctions on West Bank settlements imposed by Burnham’s government. Martin stated that the UK’s position was important for “standing up for humanitarian values and justice” and fulfilling rights in the Middle East, according to The Guardian.

With Ireland currently holding the EU presidency, both leaders expressed a desire for “even stronger and closer relationships between the European Union and the United Kingdom,” which Martin noted would benefit both the EU and Ireland. Burnham stated he wanted “further steps to deepen the relationship with Europe” and looked forward to a UK-EU summit later in the year, although no date has yet been agreed, as reported by BBC News.

Discussions also covered the “UK-Ireland 2030 programme of strategic cooperation” and a range of matters relating to Northern Ireland, including legacy issues and the Good Friday Agreement. Burnham had previously stated that a border poll was “off the table” but later clarified he stands by the Good Friday Agreement, which includes provisions for such a poll. Martin believes there needs to be “greater clarity” on what would trigger a border poll, as the decision is currently a “judgement call” for the Northern Ireland Secretary.

The leaders also discussed support for Ukraine, as well as the situation in Gaza and the Middle East more broadly.

Manchester’s Significance as a Diplomatic Hub

Prime Minister Burnham expressed his delight at hosting the Taoiseach in Manchester, calling it an “historic and proud day for Manchester,” according to The Journal. He highlighted that No 10 North is “all about creating opportunities for working people, and our partnership with Ireland… is a key part of that.”

Following their official talks, Burnham and Martin were scheduled to visit a local Irish community centre to meet with representatives from the Irish community in Greater Manchester. Burnham acknowledged Martin’s particular welcome in the North West due to its many Irish connections.

The visit marks the first time a Prime Minister has used No 10 North to host an overseas visit. Burnham established the new headquarters in Manchester to push power out of Westminster, aiming to work there once a week.

A British Embassy spokesperson noted that Ireland is the UK’s sixth-largest trading partner, and Dublin-London is the busiest intra-European air route, underscoring the “real, daily benefits the UK-Ireland relationship brings.”

Taoiseach Martin also acknowledged it had been a “very challenging and difficult week” for Prime Minister Burnham due to the death of his father, remarking that Burnham’s “sense of duty shines through.”