Republic of Ireland: Defence Co-operation

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Excerpts

Wednesday 3rd September 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Coaker (Lab)]

The noble Lord knows the arrangement with respect to Northern Ireland and its place within the United Kingdom. On his broader point about the importance of the Armed Forces, I was in Newtownards to celebrate and mark Armed Forces Day, and there were over 50,000 people there. I know the noble Lord has done similar things in the past.

[Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Lab)]

My Lords, what discussions have taken place between the UK Government and the Irish Government regarding the protection of the ECHR and the Good Friday agreement, both of which are intrinsic and inseparable? Following suggestions by a Member of the other place that the Good Friday agreement could be renegotiated—which in my opinion is total nonsense—what is the view of the UK Government?

[Lord Coaker (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend Lady Ritchie for her point. Last week, the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said—I quote directly—:

“Let’s be clear: the ECHR underpins key international agreements on trade, security, migration and the Good Friday agreement”.


That encapsulates government policy on this and answers very clearly my noble friend’s question about the importance of the ECHR.