The Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, is in London today (17 August) for a series of engagements focused on EU-UK affairs.

During the visit, Minister Byrne will hold talks with his new UK government counterpart, the Minister for Intergovernmental Relations and European Relations, Hamish Falconer MP. The meeting follows their introductory call last week. Byrne will also speak at Chatham House, with remarks expected to centre on the future of EU-UK relations. Commenting on the visit, Minister Byrne 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. 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."

The Minister continued: "At a time of geopolitical instability, the UK is a vital likeminded 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 cooperation."