Simon Harris welcomes opportunity for ‘great reset’ of Anglo-Irish relations

Simon Harris

Mr Harris this morning sent congratulations to Sir Keir — whose Labour Party won in a landslide in yesterday’s UK general election — on behalf of the government and people of Ireland.

Labour’s manifesto included a commitment to “work with the Irish government to strengthen the relationship between our two countries”.

It also said a Labour government would “repeal and replace” the controversial legacy law which is currently the subject of a rare inter-state case brought by Ireland against the UK in the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

Mr Harris said: “The relationship between Ireland and the UK is deeply consequential for all people across these islands. The relationship between a taoiseach and a prime minister is vital.

“Today is about looking forward and realising the full potential of that relationship between taoiseach and prime minister, and between our governments. Keir Starmer and I share a desire for it to go from strength to strength. It is time for a great reset.

“In the Labour Party manifesto the language towards Ireland was language of partnership and co-guarantors of our shared peace.

“This morning from Dublin I want to send a message to London that I will match Keir Starmer’s commitment and energy to our peace process and our future potential in so many other areas.”