Ireland's Martin hails 'very good start' with UK's Burnham at first meeting

September 18, 2026 at 03:50 PM2 min

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Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Ireland's relationship with the UK under Prime Minister Andy Burnham has got off to a 'very good start' after their first official meeting at Number 10 North in Manchester on Friday. Martin was the first international leader to visit the government's new headquarters, and the two leaders discussed the Good Friday Agreement and Troubles legacy legislation. Martin declined to say how much Irish unity featured in the talks, even as US President Donald Trump recently voiced support for a 'unified Ireland'.

Key Facts

Micheál Martin was the first international leader to visit Number 10 North, the UK government's new headquarters in Manchester.
Martin and Burnham discussed the UK's Troubles legacy legislation in depth, with Martin stressing the importance of passing the bill through Parliament.
The UK government is expected to publish details of changes to the Troubles legacy bill in the middle of next month.
Martin said both he and Burnham want to see the power-sharing institutions at Stormont working more effectively and that the Irish government believes reform is needed.
Burnham described the UK and Ireland as 'co-custodians of the Good Friday Agreement' as the 30th anniversary of the peace deal approaches.

First Meeting at Number 10 North

Micheál Martin met Andy Burnham at Number 10 North in Manchester on Friday for their first official talks since Burnham became UK prime minister. Martin said it 'feels very fitting' to be the first international visitor to the new government headquarters. The taoiseach described the relationship between Ireland and the UK under Burnham's premiership as off to a 'very good start'. Martin said the men had a 'broad discussion' about upholding the Good Friday Agreement and did not get into specifics. The two leaders also visited the Brian Boru Irish Club in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Burnham's constituency.

Troubles Legacy Legislation

Martin said he and Burnham discussed the UK's Troubles legacy legislation in depth during their meeting. The taoiseach said he 'stressed the importance' of passing the bill through Parliament. The UK government is expected to publish details of changes to the legislation in the middle of next month. Martin said both London and Dublin have been working closely on the bill.

Stormont and Good Friday Agreement

Martin said both he and Burnham want to see the power-sharing institutions at Stormont working more effectively. The Irish government believes there needs to be reform of the Stormont institutions. Burnham said the UK and Ireland are 'co-custodians of the Good Friday Agreement' and are working together to uphold its principles as the 30th anniversary approaches. Martin said the two countries are 'co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement' with significant obligations to mind and progress it.