Yesterday, the UK and Irish governments sat down to discuss investing in future joint energy projects.

As part of a delegation, Sir Keir Starmer met with the Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Liverpool to explore future cooperation and potential opportunities related to clean energy infrastructure.

The Irish Sea is a prime area for offshore wind energy projects thanks to its untapped potential for both nations. This is given the sea’s windy conditions, shallow waters and the close proximity between the British mainland and the Republic of Ireland.

Discussions also focused on the Celtic Sea, found further south, off the east coast of Ireland’s southern province Munster and off the UK’s southwestern coast.

The gathering was characterized by an optimistic atmosphere with both parties leaning into future co-operation during increasingly uncertain times on the global stage.

Noting Ireland as the closest neighbour to the UK, Starmer praised the Irish-UK partnership. Moreover, and to paraphrase, the Prime Minister cited it as a clear example of the invaluable nature of international co-operation that can also deliver for the people.

The PM also referenced the importance of like-minded partners working together, with this seen as a means to pursue global peace prosperity and security, reflecting the awareness of growing geopolitical instability.

Much of the discussions centred on joint ventures to achieve net-zero climate targets. Friday’s events represent the first session of what will be a yearly UK-Irish summit to hone in on various points of collaboration.