In the first of a new series of UK-Ireland summits, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheal Martin have spoken about their desire to further develop the relationship between the islands. They have agreed a range of commitments that they will take forward to 2030.
The 42nd meeting of the British-Irish Council (BIC) was held in Edinburgh on Friday 6 December, with First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma-Little Pengelly attending on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly attended the first meeting of the newly established Council of the Nations and Regions on Friday. Held in Edinburgh, it brings the Prime Minister together with leaders from across the UK.
As part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s new cabinet, Hilary Benn has been appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. He had the Northern Ireland brief in the shadow cabinet since September 2023.
In a reshuffle of his shadow cabinet, the Labour leader has given Hilary Benn a new role whilst moving the former shadow NI secretary to a new department.
