Statement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin following meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

I had a very warm and constructive meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers this morning.

We discussed a broad range of matters, including the positive relations between our two countries and the extensive programme of bilateral cooperation underway between our two Governments, including in preparation for the upcoming UK-Ireland Summit, which will take place in Ireland in the spring.

Very good progress has been made on legacy, and the Prime Minister and I agreed that we are close to setting out a framework to address legacy issues, recognising its importance to victims and survivors, and to the wider community in Northern Ireland and across these islands.

We discussed the catastrophic situation in Gaza - the need for a ceasefire, release of all hostages, and a massive surge in humanitarian aid. We also committed to continue working together with the Coalition of the Willing to strengthen support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia to stop its war of aggression on the people of Ukraine.