Statement by Tánaiste on conversation with new UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy

"I was pleased to speak this evening with the new UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and to congratulate him on Labour’s election victory and his appointment to his new role.

"We agreed that there is now a significant opportunity for a reset of our bilateral relationship. Now is a moment to embrace the spirit of partnership that we know can and does deliver for the people who call these islands home.

"We face challenges and we face opportunities, from the local to the global, from the Middle East to Ukraine, from positive UK engagement with the EU, to defending the multilateral order.

"There is much for us to discuss and I am looking forward to engaging on all these issues with the Foreign Secretary over the period ahead.

"Our countries share a relationship that is as rich as it is important. We are near neighbours with close cultural connections. We are significant trading partners with countless family ties, reaching across these islands.

"Most critically, together, the British and Irish Governments are co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement. I look forward to building on that foundation to ensure positive progress together and to take forward our shared agenda."