Great Britain British Prime Minister: Moment for a new start with Ireland

Great Britain's new Prime Minister Keir Starmer is hoping for a better relationship with neighboring Ireland. The 62-year-old met with the Irish head of government Simon Harris in Dublin. It was the first visit by a British Prime Minister to Ireland in five years, Downing Street in London announced.

Historically, the two countries have not had an easy relationship. For years, there was a civil war in the British part of Northern Ireland - with predominantly Catholic people seeking reunification with Ireland fighting against Protestant supporters of the Union with Great Britain and British soldiers.

Brexit also complicated things. While the British left the European Union, Ireland is still in the EU. Special arrangements were created to avoid a hard border with Northern Ireland - and thus the risk that the historic conflict could be reignited.

"This is the moment for a fresh start," said Starmer in Dublin. The relationship between the two countries had never reached its full potential, but he wanted to change that, he had said in advance. Both countries want to set up an annual summit on trade and cooperation, as reported by the British news agency PA. Starmer and Harris planned to attend the Ireland v England football match in the evening and exchanged shirts beforehand.

SDA