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Ireland is set to play a central role in Keir Starmer’s plan for a crucial reset of relations with the European Union.
The British government believes the Irish are “very influential” within the bloc.
Ireland has already signalled its willingness to discuss with other EU countries the possibility of a closer relationship with the UK following Labour’s landslide election victory.
The Prime Minister began writing the start of what he hopes will be a new chapter in relations with the EU as he welcomed continental leaders to a summit in Oxfordshire on Thursday.
Setting out the scale of his ambitions ahead of the meeting at Blenheim Palace, he vowed to repair Britain’s damaged relationship with the bloc for the benefit of “generations to come”.
At the event, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris described the election of the new Labour government as a potential “game changer”.
The idea of changing the relationship, which has deteriorated following Brexit, was raised when the two men met at the Prime Minister’s private residence, Chequers, on Wednesday evening.
The Irish Prime Minister then described the reset as ongoing, “real” and “meaningful”.
But The Independent understands that this sentiment was reiterated during summit conversations the following day.
Government sources said it was very helpful that the positive mood between the two men during their one-on-one meeting continued throughout Thursday’s expanded summit. The UK sees the Irish as highly influential within the EU, partly because of their strong economic, social and geographical ties with Britain, insiders said.
The EU has looked to the Irish in the past to guide its attitude towards Britain since the Brexit vote in 2016.
Ireland was a major concern of the EU in the negotiations that ultimately led to the UK’s exit.
At one point, the European Commission’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, even said that the other 26 member states would “fully support Ireland”.
As part of his attempt to convince European leaders, The Independent Sir Keir personally asked to greet them on their arrival. His enthusiasm was such that some time was set aside for his practical approach to diplomacy.
On Wednesday night, Mr Harris indicated that Sir Keir, at this stage, just 13 days into his role, was still working with his own team on what a reset of relations would look like.
But, he added: “When we reach moments of engagement, Ireland will of course be willing to discuss certain issues with our European colleagues to determine what a closer relationship might look like.”
Irish government insiders are impressed by Sir Keir’s sensitivity and knowledge of their country, which they regard as genuine. The Labour leader spoke fondly of his time on the Northern Ireland Policing Board, a difficult task given the sensitivity of the subject.
The warmth between the two men is reflected in the traditional exchange of gifts.
The Irish Prime Minister presented Sir Keir with a new Donegal Gaelic football shirt after he was pictured playing in the one he has owned for years, bought on his honeymoon in Ireland almost two decades ago.
As the Irish leader landed in England, the jersey was accidentally left on the plane, but was recovered before the pair met later that evening.
