Helen McEntee speaks at British-Irish Association conference
Minister Helen McEntee delivered a comprehensive speech on island relations at the British-Irish Association conference in Oxford. She highlighted shared challenges such as climate, security, and social media's impact while emphasising cooperation between Ireland and the UK.
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Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence, Helen McEntee TD, addressed the British-Irish Association annual conference held in Oxford on 4 September. The conference, established in 1972, assembles leaders from politics, business, and civil society across Britain and Ireland to discuss key bilateral issues.
During the event, Minister McEntee engaged in a joint discussion with Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Bryant MP, following their recent meeting in Dublin. Her address focused on how evolving global factors are reshaping relations on the island of Ireland and between Britain and Ireland, with particular attention to the amplification of sectarian voices via social media and shared challenges including climate change, energy security, and public safety.
Ahead of the conference, the Minister outlined her government’s commitment to close collaboration with UK governments and devolved administrations. She referenced the UK-Ireland Joint Statement 2030 and the Shared Island Initiative as frameworks for enhancing prosperity, sustainability, and connectedness. McEntee stressed delivering justice and accountability related to the Troubles through the Joint Framework on Legacy agreed last year, hopeful that this spirit of partnership will advance unresolved peace process matters. An investment of €2 billion is planned through to 2035 to support cross-border cooperation under these initiatives.
During the event, Minister McEntee engaged in a joint discussion with Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Bryant MP, following their recent meeting in Dublin. Her address focused on how evolving global factors are reshaping relations on the island of Ireland and between Britain and Ireland, with particular attention to the amplification of sectarian voices via social media and shared challenges including climate change, energy security, and public safety.
Ahead of the conference, the Minister outlined her government’s commitment to close collaboration with UK governments and devolved administrations. She referenced the UK-Ireland Joint Statement 2030 and the Shared Island Initiative as frameworks for enhancing prosperity, sustainability, and connectedness. McEntee stressed delivering justice and accountability related to the Troubles through the Joint Framework on Legacy agreed last year, hopeful that this spirit of partnership will advance unresolved peace process matters. An investment of €2 billion is planned through to 2035 to support cross-border cooperation under these initiatives.
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