The Irish prime minister held his first overseas meeting at the UK government’s new No 10 North hub, where he praised Greater Manchester’s mayor for taking a stance on Israel that aligns with Ireland’s strong support for Palestinian rights. Citing the UK’s recent sanctions on West Bank settlements, the taoiseach highlighted the move as a step toward upholding humanitarian values and justice in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the UK Youth Parliament, which brings together hundreds of elected young representatives to debate key issues, continues its annual tradition of holding a major debate in the House of Commons. The meeting underscores growing political engagement on international conflicts among regional leaders.
It is the first time the PM has used No 10 North to host an overseas visitMicheál Martin, the taoiseach (Irish PM), thanked Andy Burnham for his stance on Israel as the two men met at No 10 North today.Support for the Palestinian cause is particularly strong in Ireland because of its historical experience of colonialism, and, in a reference to the sanctions on West Bank settlements imposed by Burnham’s government, Martin said:I think for the United Kingdom under your leadership to take the stance that it’s taken, I think, is important for … standing up for humanitarian values and justice and fulfilling the rights of all in the Middle East to security, to peace and to some decent future for their children and generations to come.Formed in 1999, the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) sees more than 300 children aged 11 to 18 democratically elected by their peers to represent young people in their area, who then debate and campaign on a variety of issues.Once a year, they hold a debate in the House of Commons chamber. Continue reading...
