British Minister for Intergovernmental Relations Hamish Falconer MP said that the UK and Ireland’s relationship has never been stronger and is built on deep friendship, shared values and renewed cooperation through annual summits, joint infrastructure projects and energy security work.
In his speech to a gathering of members from the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly in Sheffield on Sunday evening, he reiterated that the UK government remains committed to protecting and building on the Good Friday Agreement, including through the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
He also said there had been record funding for Northern Ireland, and spoke of a continued partnership between London and Dublin as equal co-guarantors of peace.
On the UK’s relationship with Europe, the Minister said that the UK will use the upcoming UK-EU Summit to set out how greater cooperation can deliver enhanced security and economic growth for both the UK and its European partners.
Minister for Intergovernmental Relations Hamish Falconer MP. said:
“The UK and Ireland are more than neighbours – we are close friends, bound by history, shared values and a determination to build a better future together. From the deep connections across our people reflected in the Common Travel Area to close cooperation on energy security and critical infrastructure, we are showing what strong partnership can deliver. As we approach thirty years of the Good Friday Agreement, our commitment to peace – and the people it was built to serve, has never been stronger.”
Gill Furniss MP, British Co-Chair of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, said:
“It is an enormous pleasure to extend a traditional south Yorkshire welcome to the BIPA family from the UK, Ireland and Crown Dependencies this week, and to hear from the minister. His contribution reflects the importance the UK government attaches to the relationship between the UK and Ireland. As a city renowned for its warmth and strong sense of community, Sheffield provides a fitting backdrop as we come together once again to play our part as parliamentarians in strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation across our islands.”
Brendan Smith TD, Irish Co-Chair of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, said:
“At a time of considerable international uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we continue to strengthen the relationships between our islands through dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding.
BIPA provides a valuable forum for parliamentarians to exchange perspectives, build trust and advance practical cooperation on issues of shared importance, from economic development and energy security to reconciliation and community connections.
By continuing to invest in these relationships, we can help deliver tangible benefits for people across these islands.”
Formed in 1990, BIPA creates a forum for British and Irish lawmakers to foster closer ties by developing mutual understanding. As relations have improved since the signing of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, it has now expanded activities to make policy proposals on issues of mutual interest to both Governments through the organisation’s four committees.
L-R: Irish Ambassador to Great Britain Sonja Hyland, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Sara Owen MP, Irish Co-Chair of BIPA Brendan Smith TD, Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations and European Relations Hamish Falconer MP, British Co-Chair of BIPA Gill Furniss MP, British Ambassador to Ireland, Kara Owen.