Byrne to hold meetings over EU-UK relations

By Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association

Minister of State Thomas Byrne is to hold a series of engagements in London on EU-UK affairs.

Byrne will meet Hamish Falconer, minister for intergovernmental relations and European relations, as well as speaking at Chatham House.

He said: “Following our phone call last week, I am delighted to meet with Minister Falconer in person today for in-depth discussions on EU-UK relations.

The Irish EU presidency is deeply committed to supporting the strongest possible EU-UK relationship

“As chair of the EU General Affairs Council during the Irish EU presidency, I strongly welcome the ambition expressed by Minister Falconer to continue building a warm and positive relationship with the EU.

“The Irish EU presidency is deeply committed to supporting the strongest possible EU-UK relationship.

“Following the first EU-UK Summit in May 2025, we want to see a second summit take place in the near future.

“I believe that a positive and well-balanced summit, which delivers for both UK and EU citizens, will be key to supporting the relationship into the future.”

Byrne added: “At a time of geopolitical instability, the UK is a vital like-minded partner.

“It is in our mutual interests to have a strong and close EU-UK relationship that delivers for our citizens across trade, people-to-people contacts, and wider foreign and security policy co-operation.”