Starmer and Martin discuss functioning of Common Travel Area

The two leaders spoke on the phone on Friday.

The Prime Minister and the Taoiseach have discussed the operation of the Common Travel Area (CTA) amid renewed focus on the cross-border movement of people after the Belfast knife attack.

Sir Keir Starmer and Micheál Martin spoke on the phone on Friday afternoon.

The man accused of the stabbing Stephen Ogilvie in north Belfast on Monday night claimed asylum in Northern Ireland in 2023 having arrived in the region on a bus from Dublin.

Sudanese national Hadi Alodid, 30, had previously flown to Dublin from Paris.

He was granted leave to remain in the UK until 2028.

The case has prompted increased political scrutiny of the Common Travel Area – a century-old arrangement that allows for the free movement of UK and Irish citizens across the island’s free-flowing border.

Downing Street said Sir Keir and Mr Martin agreed to keep strengthening the “integrity and security” of the CTA in their call.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister underlined his concern at the shocking attack in Belfast earlier this week and said that his thoughts were with Stephen Ogilvie and his family.

“He condemned the unacceptable violence that erupted in Northern Ireland after the attack and was clear that there is no justification for these scenes. He praised the response of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

“The leaders agreed that they would continue to strengthen the integrity and security of the Common Travel Area, through enhanced data-sharing and joint-intelligence operations.

“They said that the CTA was of huge importance to their citizens but that they must work together to protect it from abuse.

“On the UK’s relations with the EU, the Prime Minister looked ahead to Ireland’s upcoming EU presidency and the second UK-EU summit later this year.

“The leaders reflected on progress towards closer co-operation that delivers for businesses, for the economy and in our shared interests.”

Mr Martin posted on social media: “Good discussion with British PM @Keir_Starmer today on a wide range of issues, including working together on the Common Travel Area, addressing legacy issues and EU-UK relations.”