I am delighted to be in Dublin today. It is the third
time I have met the Taoiseach since I became Prime
Minister, and indeed the third time we have spoken in the
past month.
This is testament to the unique relationship between the
UK and Ireland. Family ties and bonds of affection unite
our 2 countries and I am personally committed to
strengthening our relationship as the UK prepares to
leave the EU. We are leaving the EU but not Europe.
We will stay reliable partners, willing allies and close
friends with our neighbours, when we have so many values
and interests in common.
I know that for the people of Ireland and Northern
Ireland the ability to move freely across the border is
an essential part of daily life, which is why the
Taoiseach and I have both been clear that there will be
no return to the borders of the past.
Maintaining the common travel area and excellent economic
links with Ireland will be important priorities for the
UK in the talks ahead. Together we trade €1.2 billion
worth of goods and services every week. No one wants to
see this diminished.
The Taoiseach and I both reaffirmed our commitment to the
Belfast Agreement and its successors, including Stormont
House and Fresh Start. An explicit objective of the UK
government’s work on Brexit is to ensure that full
account is taken of the particular circumstances of
Northern Ireland.
I am pleased that already, our European partners have
demonstrated a clear understanding of the acute need to
find a solution for Northern Ireland and Ireland so that
thousands of our citizens can continue to move freely
across Ireland every day. I want the reciprocal rights
that our citizens enjoy in both countries to continue,
including the rights guaranteed under the Belfast
Agreement.
But I also recognise that when the UK leaves the EU,
Ireland will remain a member state and it is something I
fully respect. It remains overwhelmingly and compellingly
in the UK’s national interest that the EU, with Ireland
in it, should succeed and prosper.
Today we have committed to building on the track record
of strong co-operation generated by our bilateral work
programme. It’s important to me that, while we have
plenty of work to do to deliver a smooth exit for the UK
from the EU, we do not lose sight of the close links that
benefit citizens in both countries.
And so we have agreed to continue our bilateral work
programme on a wide range of issues some of which have
been mentioned by the Taoiseach.
And of course discussed the political situation in
Northern Ireland. Both the Taoiseach and I have been
unequivocal in our support for the political process as
the Northern Ireland parties navigate this electoral
period. The difficulties we face today are serious and it
is fundamentally important that we work with Northern
Ireland’s political leadership to seek a solution.
The Northern Ireland Secretary will be fully engaged over
the next few days and months with the aim of ensuring
that, once the election is over, a stable devolved
government is established that works for everyone. I
welcome the commitment of the Irish Minister for Foreign
Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, in supporting that
objective.
Our discussions here in Dublin today have been very
constructive. And I’m sure we will continue the close
level of cooperation and friendship between the UK and
Ireland in the coming months and years ahead.
