The conflict in the Middle East has increased the importance of having good relations between the UK and Ireland, Sir Keir Starmer has said.And Irish premier Micheal Martin said increased co-ordination between the two countries would help to guarantee economic security.The two leaders met in Co Cork for the second UK-Ireland Summit.Sir Keir was greeted by Taoiseach Mr Martin at Fota House ahead of the series of meetings involving ministers from both governments.Earlier, the two leaders visited t

The conflict in the Middle East has increased the importance of having good relations between the UK and Ireland, Sir Keir Starmer has said.And Irish premier Micheal Martin said increased co-ordination between the two countries would help to guarantee economic security.The two leaders met in Co Cork for the second UK-Ireland Summit.Sir Keir was greeted by Taoiseach Mr Martin at Fota House ahead of the series of meetings involving ministers from both governments.Earlier, the two leaders visited the Tyndall National Institute, an electronics research centre at University College Cork.Following the meeting, Sir Keir and Mr Martin released a joint statement with a list of agreed actions in the areas of "shared prosperity, shared seas and shared ties".The document also outlines co-operation on research in areas such as quantum technology and 6G, emergency preparedness, and opportunities around offshore energy infrastructure.