Andy Burnham and Micheál Martin Meet to Reset UK-EU Ties

Prime Minister Andy Burnham hosted Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Manchester on September 18, 2026, for their first official talks since Burnham took office. The meeting took place at No 10 North, the UK government's new outpost in the North of England, marking the first visit by an international leader to the site. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Good Friday Agreement ahead of its 30th anniversary and discussed the UK-Ireland 2030 programme of strategic cooperation.

Central to the discussions were the reform of Stormont institutions and the replacement of the Troubles legacy act. While Burnham stated that referendums on separation are currently "off the table," he noted that the timing of a Northern Ireland unification poll remains the prerogative of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. This follows recent comments from US President Donald Trump supporting a unified Ireland.

Parallel to the Manchester talks, Chancellor John Healey met with EU finance ministers in Dublin to argue against the UK's exclusion from the Made in Europe procurement scheme. While Burnham seeks to revive a reset of relations with the European Union, the EU continues to demand that the UK accept EU rules and provide financial contributions to reduce border friction. The UK government maintains red lines against rejoining the single market and customs union.

Following their official meetings, Burnham and Martin visited Irish community centers in Manchester and Wigan. Martin praised Burnham for increasing sanctions on West Bank settlements and shifting the UK's approach toward the government of Benjamin Netanyahu.