Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I met with the new British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, in Belfast yesterday. It was a very good meeting, and I hope that the return of the party of the Good Friday Agreement to government in London will prove to be a turning point and an opportunity to rebuild relationships.

One of the key issues I raised with the Prime Minister was immigration and the clear need for a bilateral agreement and arrangements between Dublin and London in respect of the safe return of asylum seekers. I know the Taoiseach will meet with the British Prime Minister at Downing Street. I ask that the Taoiseach press for those arrangements and that they be made speedily. The British Prime Minister indicated to me an acceptance, an acknowledgment and a willingness to arrive at those arrangements. I urge that that happen very speedily.

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