The Taoiseach has said that the Irish and British governments are “at one” in their approach to creating a new framework to address the legacy of the Troubles, reports Breaking News.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Taoiseach Micheál Martin to Chequers in England on Friday, as both administrations continue to highlight a marked improvement in relations following Brexit.
Mr Martin described the meeting, which also covered global issues, as “very warm and constructive”, reports Breaking News.
He stated that a legacy framework is “very close” to completion, though he declined to provide a specific timeline for its formal announcement.
The Taoiseach said: “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,” reports Breaking News.
Speaking to RTÉ after the talks, Mr Martin commented: “I’m not going to put a time down on it but it’ll be shortly.”
The Taoiseach also said that both Ireland and the UK are “committed to continue working together with the coalition of the willing” to bolster support for Ukraine and apply greater pressure on Russia, reports Breaking News.
Mr Martin noted that Ireland would be “willing to play a role” in peacekeeping or monitoring efforts in Ukraine.
He added that there were additional roles, such as mine clearance, which could aid in upholding a ceasefire.
“We’ve been part of many peacekeeping missions around the world where we’ve been effective: Chad, Lebanon, Kosovo; and so, therefore, I think it’s important that Ireland plays its role in terms of any potential peace or ceasefire (in Ukraine),” reports Breaking News.
“At the moment, however, there is no sign that Russia is serious about cessation of the war,” reports Breaking News.
Mr Martin said he would work alongside EU partners to implement further sanctions against Russia.
He also said they discussed the “catastrophic situation in Gaza”, again calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a “massive surge in humanitarian aid”, reports Breaking News.
The British Prime Minister previously met the Taoiseach in March in Liverpool as part of a new series of annual UK-Ireland summits, which were welcomed as a “next chapter” in their relationship following the difficulties of recent years.
Mr Martin said the two governments would put “concrete flesh on the bone” across several initiatives at the next summit, which is scheduled to take place in Ireland in early spring, reports Breaking News.
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