Keir Starmer Dublin visit ‘marks new era of friendship’

Saturday’s visit comes after the prime minister’s visit to Berlin and Paris last week to continue the UK’s reset with its key European partners.

Speaking ahead of it Sir Keir said: “The UK and Ireland share the strongest of ties through our close geography, shared culture and the friendships of our people.

“Our relationship has never reached its full potential, but I want to change that.

“We have a clear opportunity to go further and faster to make sure our partnership is fully delivering on behalf of the British and Irish people – driving growth and prosperity in both our countries.

“The taoiseach and I are in lockstep about our future, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration further.”

The prime minister and the taoiseach will also meet Irish business leaders to encourage enhanced bilateral trade and investment in pursuit of growth.

The last British prime ministerial visit to the Republic of Ireland was by Boris Johnson, in September 2019.

In recent times, under the Conservative government, relations between the UK and Ireland were said to be at their lowest ebb in decades because of differences over Brexit.

Ireland also launched an international legal case against Britain over the Legacy Act which Sir Keir has now promised to repeal.