Statement by Minister Byrne on new UK Minister for European Relations

I want to congratulate Hamish Falconer MP on his appointment, by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, as UK Minister for European Relations. As we seek to advance the EU-UK relationship, during the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, I look forward to working closely with Minister Falconer.

Over the past two years, we have seen a genuinely positive step-change in the EU-UK relationship, to the benefit of both UK and EU citizens. I want to recognise the work undertaken by Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, in this respect, and wish him the very best following his departure from the UK Government.

In May 2025, we saw the first successful EU-UK Summit held, and we look forward to building on these foundations, in support of businesses, young people, and our shared European security.