UK EU relations reset tops talks with Irish leader

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pushed for closer ties with the European Union. He made the case during talks with the Irish leader on Friday. Taoiseach Micheal Martin travelled to Manchester for the meeting. He is the first foreign leader to visit the prime minister's northern office. That base is known as No 10 North.

Burnham said the choice of guest felt right. He pointed to the deep links between the North West of England and Ireland. Many families in the region trace their roots across the Irish Sea. Trade between the two areas runs into billions each year. He told Martin he was pleased to host him first.

Ireland currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. That role gives Dublin a strong hand in shaping talks. Martin said he looked forward to a stronger and closer link between the bloc and Britain. He said it would help both sides. He was warm about the new British leader.

The two men also spoke about Northern Ireland. Both governments act as guardians of the Good Friday Agreement. That deal reaches its 30th anniversary next year. Burnham said the two sides are working to uphold its principles. Peace in the region remains a shared duty.

A wider summit is on the horizon. Britain and the bloc are due to meet later this year. Burnham said he wants further steps at that meeting. He did not set out a detailed list. Officials say trade, travel and security are likely topics.

The visit came at a hard moment for the prime minister. His father Roy died earlier in the week. Martin noted the loss during the talks. He said Burnham's sense of duty shone through. The comment drew a warm response.

Burnham has had a busy few days. He hosted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Liverpool on Wednesday. He met the NATO chief Mark Rutte earlier in the week. The run of meetings shows a focus on allies. It also shows a deliberate move away from London.

Canada is also looking toward Europe. There has been talk of Ottawa becoming an associate member of the bloc. The idea is at an early stage. Carney has welcomed the offer while leaving the terms to Brussels. Others have floated the same status for Australia and New Zealand.

Burnham became prime minister in July. He took over after Keir Starmer resigned following heavy local election losses. He won the party leadership unopposed. His arrival marked a clear change in style. Running part of the job from Manchester is the most visible sign.

The northern base is more than symbolic. Burnham built his political name as mayor of Greater Manchester. He has long argued that power sits too heavily in the capital. No 10 North gives him a working office outside London. Critics call it a gimmick. Supporters call it overdue.

On Europe, the direction of travel is clearer than the detail. Burnham has spoken of deepening the relationship rather than reversing Brexit. That language leaves room to move. It also avoids a fight he does not need. Any formal change would take years.

Business groups have pressed for practical steps. They want smoother checks at ports. They want easier rules for touring artists and workers. They want stable terms for food and farm trade. Many say the current system adds cost without clear gain.

Opponents are watching closely. Some argue that closer alignment means giving up control. Others say it is simply common sense with the nearest market. The debate remains live in British politics. It shows no sign of settling soon.

For Dublin, the visit had a clear purpose. Ireland has the most to lose from friction between Britain and the bloc. The border with Northern Ireland sits at the heart of that. Martin used the trip to press for calm and steady progress. Both leaders left describing the talks as positive.