British-Irish Council to meet in Scotland

First Minister John Swinney will welcome political leaders to Scotland as he hosts the 42^nd Summit meeting of the British-Irish Council.

The First Minister will hold talks with the UK Prime Minister, the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, Prif Weinidog Cymru (the First Minister of Wales), the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, the Chief Minister of the Isle of Man, the Chief Minister of Jersey and the Chief Minister of Guernsey.

This main focus of the summit – which marks the 25th anniversary of the first meeting of the British-Irish Council – will see leaders gather for substantive talks on financing a just transition and tackling climate change.

First Minister John Swinney said:

“Scotland will welcome political leaders to our capital city as we gather for the 42nd Summit of the British-Irish Council – a meeting which also marks 25 years since the first council was held following the Good Friday Agreement. As we reflect on 25 years, it is testament to the value of the British-Irish Council that the partnership conceived a quarter of a century ago has prevailed in the midst of unprecedented change and challenge.

“The meeting in Edinburgh provides a forum for us to discuss the greatest challenge facing the next 25 years that of climate change and delivering a just transition. The need to share our knowledge, our efforts and our actions is no less urgent today than it was when the first British-Irish Council meeting was held in 1999.

“As First Minister of Scotland, achieving a just transition is integral to the four main priorities of my government. Scotland needs to attract investment to tackle climate change and grasp the opportunities of that journey to Net Zero in a way that grows our economy and helps provide investment to tackle child poverty and improve public services.”

Background

Home | The British Irish Council

The British-Irish Council was formally established following the Good Friday Agreement and brings together political leaders from the Northern Ireland Executive, the Government of Ireland, the UK Government, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government, the Isle of Man Government, the Government of Jersey, and the Government of Guernsey.

The following political leaders are attending the 42^nd meeting of the British Irish Council in Edinburgh: