Andy Burnham hosts Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Manchester to bolster UK–Ireland ties

Andy Burnham hosts Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Manchester to strengthen UK–Ireland relations and promote cooperation on trade, services and regional ties.

Andy Burnham hosts Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Manchester to bolster UK–Ireland ties
Liberal News
Publish: 18.09.2026
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Manchester Prime Minister Andy Burnham met Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Manchester on Friday to discuss strengthening UK–Ireland relations, covering trade, security and cooperation with the EU, the government said. Burnham described the meeting as an “historic and proud day for Manchester” and welcomed Martin as the first international leader to visit Number 10 North.

The leaders reiterated shared commitments including the Good Friday Agreement, support for Ukraine and collaboration on EU matters. Following their talks they visited a local Irish community centre to meet representatives from the Irish community in Greater Manchester.

Discussions were also expected to address reform of the Stormont institutions and progress on replacing the Troubles legacy act. The visit followed public remarks by US President Donald Trump supporting a “unified Ireland” and Burnham’s recent statements in Northern Ireland that a border poll was “off the table” while affirming support for the Good Friday Agreement.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The meeting underscored mutual focus on the UK–Ireland 2030 programme of strategic cooperation and matters relating to Northern Ireland, including legacy issues and the Good Friday Agreement, according to Martin’s statement. They also covered EU and international topics such as Ireland’s EU Council Presidency, the next EU–UK Summit and the situations in Ukraine, Gaza and the broader Middle East.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

  • Andy Burnham hosted Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Manchester to discuss UK–Ireland cooperation.
  • Talks focused on trade, security, the Good Friday Agreement, legacy legislation and Stormont reform.
  • The leaders visited a local Irish community centre after their meeting and discussed EU and international issues.
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