David Davis visits Ireland to strengthen commercial ties ahead of EU exit negotiations
Secretary of State David Davis and Minister Robin Walker met with government and business leaders as the UK prepares to leave the EU.
In his first visit to another EU member state since being appointed Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, David Davis has met with senior Irish government and business leaders to get their views ahead of Brexit negotiations.
The UK Government is determined to strengthen political and commercial ties between the two countries after the UK’s exit from the EU, helping Irish businesses establish themselves in the UK, while making sure British firms have a powerful presence in Ireland.
During yesterday’s visit, David Davis and Robin Walker held constructive talks with political leaders including Francis Fitzgerald TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice & Equality, Charles Flanagan TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, and Dara Murphy TD, Minister for European Affairs. They discussed various issues, including the future of the border and ensuring that there are no unnecessary barriers to trade.
David Davis attended the British-Irish Chamber of Commerce President’s Gala Dinner, with the Taoiseach Enda Kenny, to engage with Ireland’s business community as the UK prepares for negotiations to leave the EU.
Today Robin Walker chaired a roundtable with the Irish Business Employers Confederation (IBEC) to listen to views of Irish business leaders. He underlined the government’s commitment to maintaining the closest possible future economic relationship and exploit the future opportunities that will arise from leaving the EU.
The visit was part of an ongoing series of engagements with key stakeholders - both inside and outside the UK - with the Secretary of State meeting with political and business leaders in Northern Ireland last week.
Secretary of State for Exiting the EU David Davis said:
“The UK-Ireland relationship is of vital importance to the UK, with the links between our countries playing an enormous part in the UK’s success. Trade worth more than a billion euros is conducted between our countries every week and I’m determined to deepen and strengthen this relationship after we leave the EU.
“I firmly believe that our decisions should be informed by those who drive our two economies, and create jobs and prosperity for all. That’s why it’s been great to meet with political and business leaders today to help lay the foundations for an even more successful, warm and purposeful working relationship.”