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Keir Starmer, the UK's Prime Minister, has appointed Morgan McSweeney as his top aide in an effort to address controversies and negative media coverage that have plagued his administration. McSweeney, who played a key role in Labour's election victory, is seen as someone who can provide clearer political direction and strategy. He will focus on winning the next election and countering accusations from the Tories and Reform UK Party. McSweeney's appointment marks a shift towards a more political approach for Starmer, who prefers a technocratic style of governance. [Extracted from the article]

Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the UK and his Irish counterpart, Simon Harris, have pledged to combat the spread of online misinformation following recent far-right riots. The leaders met in Dublin to discuss security, climate, trade, and culture, and agreed to hold a summit in March. The UK and Ireland share a special relationship due to their cultural links and mutual interest in Northern Ireland, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement. The leaders also addressed key issues facing Northern Ireland, such as the rebuilding of Casement Park and the controversial Legacy Act. [Extracted from the article]

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden are scheduled to meet in Washington next week to discuss various issues, including the Israel-Hamas war. The meeting comes as the two nations demonstrate differences in their approach to the conflict. The UK recently suspended some arms licenses to Israel, while the US continues to directly send arms. The leaders will also discuss topics such as support for Ukraine, protection of international shipping, supply chains, and climate issues. Prior to the meeting, Starmer visited Ireland to improve relations and strengthen ties between the two countries. The UK and Ireland share close cultural links and have a mutual interest in Northern Ireland. The leaders aim to reset and enhance British-Irish relations, focusing on prosperity, peace, and the Good Friday Agreement. [Extracted from the article]

Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, visited Ireland for the first time in five years as part of his efforts to repair relations with Dublin after the strained Brexit negotiations. Starmer's visit is seen as particularly significant due to the close cultural ties and mutual interest in Northern Ireland between the two nations. During his visit, Starmer met with business representatives and attended a football match between Ireland and England. The UK and Ireland have a strong trading relationship worth €100 billion a year, and discussions are expected to include key issues in Northern Ireland such as the rebuilding of Casement Park and the controversial Legacy Act. [Extracted from the article]

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris has stated that he has no plans to prepare for a united Ireland or hold a referendum on the issue. Instead, he will prioritize cooperation between the north and south of Ireland. The issue of a border poll has gained attention with the success of the nationalist party Sinn Fein in Northern Ireland. Harris also criticized the European Union's response to the conflict in Gaza and mentioned plans for increased infrastructure spending and one-off payments to households in the upcoming budget. [Extracted from the article]

Casement Park, a Gaelic games stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has been left derelict since the Troubles in the 1970s. Plans to rebuild the stadium and use it for the 2028 Euros soccer tournament have been met with controversy. Some in the nationalist community support the rebuild, while others in the unionist community object to Irish sports getting a more prestigious stadium. The decision on the rebuild is complicated by cost and political considerations, and it remains to be seen if it will go ahead. [Extracted from the article]

Former Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has stated that the next government of Ireland should prioritize reunification as a political objective. This comes as Sinn Fein, the party with the most seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly, has been advocating for a united Ireland and has suggested that a border poll could be held by 2030. However, a recent poll showed that more people in Northern Ireland would vote to remain part of the UK if a border poll was held at that time. Varadkar believes that a united Ireland would be an economic success if the business and trade policies of the Republic of Ireland were applied in Northern Ireland, and he suggests setting up a fund to pay for the transition. He also believes that a Labour government in the UK could be helpful for Ireland in dealing with Northern Ireland. [Extracted from the article]

The UK government, led by Rishi Sunak, has announced that it will appeal a court ruling in Northern Ireland that found certain aspects of the country's immigration policy to be in violation of Brexit rules agreed upon with the European Union. The ruling stated that parts of the UK's Illegal Migration Act, which aims to prevent the arrival of asylum-seekers in Britain, should not apply in Northern Ireland as they undermine human rights provisions outlined in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. The government denies that the ruling will impact its plans to deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda, a key component of Sunak's immigration crackdown. The issue is causing tension between the UK and Irish governments, as the latter suggests that the Rwanda plan is driving more asylum-seekers to the Republic from Northern Ireland. [Extracted from the article]

A dispute over a surge in asylum-seekers is causing tension between the UK and Ireland, potentially impacting their fragile relationship. The disagreement arose when Ireland passed emergency legislation allowing it to return asylum-seekers to the UK, which the UK refused to accept unless France accepted migrant returns from Britain. This dispute raises concerns about post-Brexit trade settlements and power-sharing in Northern Ireland. The issue of immigration is a top concern for voters in both countries, and it is likely to play a significant role in upcoming elections. [Extracted from the article]

Jeffrey Donaldson, a prominent political figure in Northern Ireland, has been charged with sexual assault crimes dating back two decades. He appeared in court alongside his wife, who also faces charges. Donaldson, the former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, has stated that he will contest the charges. The scandal has had significant implications for the party, which recently returned to power-sharing in the region's government after a period of political stasis. The charges against Donaldson and his wife come at a challenging time for the DUP, as they attempt to unite divided unionists ahead of an anticipated UK general election. [Extracted from the article]

Jeffrey Donaldson, a prominent political figure in Northern Ireland, has been accused of sexual assault crimes spanning two decades. He appeared in court charged with one count of gross indecency toward a child, nine counts of indecent assault, and one count of rape. His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, also faces charges related to cruelty and aiding and abetting. The Democratic Unionist Party suspended Donaldson as its leader when the allegations came to light, tarnishing his legacy. This scandal comes at a challenging time for the DUP, as it tries to unite divided unionists ahead of an anticipated UK general election. [Extracted from the article]

A new study from the Institute of International and European Affairs in Dublin reveals that Irish unity would require significant tax increases and cuts to public expenditure. The cost to the Republic of Ireland's economy would be around 5% of modified Gross National Income, which could increase to 10% if Northern Ireland's welfare payments and public sector pay were brought in line with the Republic. The report suggests that funding the needs of Northern Ireland in a united Ireland would put immense financial pressure on the people of Ireland and result in a major reduction in their living standards. The authors argue that the cost of reunification could be reduced by addressing the low productivity in Northern Ireland's economy, but it would take at least two decades to substantially narrow the productivity gap. [Extracted from the article]

The recent departure of Jeffrey Donaldson, a prominent leader in Northern Ireland advocating for remaining in the UK, has raised concerns about the future of the power-sharing deal in Belfast. Donaldson was suspended by the Democratic Unionist Party after being charged with "allegations of an historical nature." This scandal comes just two months after Donaldson's decision to end a boycott of the local government over Brexit-trading rules. The DUP has appointed Gavin Robinson as its interim leader, but the party's long-term role in power-sharing is uncertain. The deal brought significant funding from the UK government and helped ease labor action, but power-sharing relies on a delicate balance between unionists and nationalists. Unionism is declining demographically, and there are calls for a referendum on leaving the UK and joining the Republic of Ireland. The DUP's vote has decreased since the Good Friday Agreement, and Donaldson's resignation has weakened the party's dominance. [Extracted from the article]

President Joe Biden praised Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's remarks criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that they reflected concerns about the war in Gaza. Schumer called for new Israeli elections and the replacement of Netanyahu in a public rebuke of the prime minister, expressing fears about the civilian toll of Israel's war on Hamas. While Biden did not endorse Schumer's calls for elections and Netanyahu's ouster, his comments revealed frustration with the Israeli leader's conduct of the war. Biden also welcomed Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, a sharp critic of Israel's war on Hamas, and expressed agreement with Varadkar's call for an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution for lasting peace and security. The conflict has political ramifications for Biden, with criticism from progressives, younger voters, and Arab and Muslim Americans. [Extracted from the article]

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will meet with political leaders in Northern Ireland to mark the restoration of the devolved government in Belfast and discuss funding for public services. Newly appointed Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill, who supports a referendum on leaving the UK to unify with Ireland, has criticized the Conservative government for underfunding the region. Sunak's government helped overcome a boycott by the main UK unionist party, allowing the assembly to resume. O'Neill's appointment as the first Irish nationalist first minister is a milestone moment, and she has expressed her commitment to governing for all people of Northern Ireland while working towards unification with the Republic of Ireland. [Extracted from the article]

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will be visiting Northern Ireland to meet with political leaders following the restoration of the devolved government in Belfast after a two-year hiatus. Sunak will discuss immediate plans for delivery with the parliament in Stormont Castle. First Minister Michelle O'Neill, the first Irish nationalist from Sinn Fein to hold the post, has expressed her commitment to governing for all people of Northern Ireland while working towards unification with the Republic of Ireland. Sunak may also meet with Leo Varadkar, the premier of the Republic of Ireland, who has expressed some concerns about the trade rules put forward by Sunak's government. [Extracted from the article]

Northern Ireland's First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, has stated that a referendum on leaving the United Kingdom to join the Republic of Ireland could take place within the next decade. O'Neill, a member of the nationalist Sinn Fein party, believes that the opportunity for unification is now, despite the UK government's position that it is still decades away. Sinn Fein's support has grown since the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, and in 2022, they won the most seats in the legislature for the first time. O'Neill's appointment as First Minister was delayed due to the Democratic Unionist Party's boycott of the power-sharing institutions over Brexit trading rules. However, a recent deal has been reached to end the boycott, including a funding boost and measures to strengthen the union. [Extracted from the article]

Northern Ireland's government and assembly have reconvened after a two-year hiatus, with Michelle O'Neill of the Sinn Fein party appointed as the first minister. O'Neill's appointment marks a significant moment in Northern Ireland's history, as her party advocates for reunification with the Republic of Ireland. The Democratic Unionist Party, which had previously prevented O'Neill from assuming her role, reached a deal with the British government to end its boycott. The appointment of O'Neill reflects the changing political landscape in Northern Ireland, with a census showing that Catholics now make up the largest religious group for the first time. The push for reunification has gained momentum, particularly in the context of Brexit, which has exposed divisions within Northern Ireland unionism. Despite opposition from unionists, the prospect of reunification is now a live policy issue. [Extracted from the article]

Northern Ireland's government and assembly have reconvened after a two-year hiatus, with Michelle O'Neill of the Sinn Fein party appointed as the first minister. O'Neill's appointment marks a significant moment in Northern Ireland's history, as her party advocates for reunification with the Republic of Ireland. The Democratic Unionist Party, which had previously prevented O'Neill from assuming the role, reached a deal with the British government to end its boycott. The appointment of O'Neill reflects the changing political landscape in Northern Ireland, with a census showing that Catholics now make up the largest religious group for the first time. The push for reunification has gained momentum in recent years, particularly due to the impact of Brexit on the region. However, there is still opposition from unionists who want Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK. Despite the challenges, the reconvening of the power-sharing government is seen as an opportunity for progress and cooperation. [Extracted from the article]

Northern Ireland will have a working government and assembly for the first time in two years, with Michelle O'Neill from the Sinn Fein party set to become First Minister. O'Neill's appointment was delayed by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which boycotted the power-sharing institutions due to concerns over Brexit trading rules. However, the DUP recently struck a deal with the British government to end its boycott, resulting in O'Neill's imminent appointment. The political landscape in Northern Ireland is shifting, with a census showing that Catholics now make up the largest religious group, raising questions for traditionally Protestant unionists who advocate for Northern Ireland's place in the UK. The push for reunification with the Republic of Ireland is gaining momentum, but unionists remain opposed. The return of the Northern Ireland Assembly is seen as a positive step, allowing for the allocation of additional UK funding and potentially addressing issues such as the cost-of-living crisis. However, the long-term prospects for the assembly remain uncertain, as contentious issues continue to divide the parties. [Extracted from the article]

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has agreed to end its boycott of Northern Ireland's power-sharing assembly, resolving two years of political deadlock caused by the region's inability to make policy decisions and the UK government's inability to fully close the book on Brexit. The DUP's leader, Jeffrey Donaldson, has been seeking concessions from UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government regarding post-Brexit trading rules in Northern Ireland. The UK government has offered a £3.3 billion regional spending package to entice the DUP back into government. The decision to end the boycott is contingent on the UK implementing promised legislation that some unionists see as strengthening Northern Ireland's place in the UK. [Extracted from the article]

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has agreed to end its boycott of Northern Ireland's power-sharing assembly, bringing an end to two years of political paralysis. The DUP, which campaigns for closer ties to the UK, had refused to accept any compromise over post-Brexit trading rules in Northern Ireland. The UK government has offered a £3.3 billion regional spending package to entice the DUP back into government. The decision will provide relief to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and could benefit Northern Ireland's economy by keeping it connected to both the UK and EU. [Extracted from the article]

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has rejected attempts by other groups to restart the devolved government in Northern Ireland, potentially leading to a public-sector strike and new elections. Sinn Fein, along with other parties, has been trying to recall the assembly in Belfast to restore power-sharing between Unionist and Nationalist groups. The DUP has boycotted the government in protest against post-Brexit border controls. The stalemate has caused a budget shortfall and tens of thousands of public sector workers are set to strike. The power-sharing deal is crucial to the Good Friday Agreement, which aimed to end violence in Northern Ireland. [Extracted from the article]

The European Union has privately expressed concerns to the UK about its commitment to international human rights agreements, such as the European Convention on Human Rights and the UN Refugee Convention. These agreements have hindered the UK's efforts to deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda but also support other important deals, like the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland. UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak is facing pressure from some members of the Conservative Party to disapply these obligations, but this could have significant consequences for international relations and agreements. Sunak's team is working on a new treaty with Rwanda and emergency legislation, but no final decisions have been made. [Extracted from the article]

Elsewhere at the convention, Sunak's faltering progress on cutting immigration has caused pro-Brexit Cabinet ministers to publicly suggest the UK could leave the European Convention on Human Rights to enable deportation flights to go ahead. (Bloomberg) -- Rishi Sunak unveiled a new campaign slogan at this week's Conservative Party conference: "Long-term decisions for a brighter future.". [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is under growing pressure from members of his Cabinet to take the UK out of the European Convention on Human Rights, a move that could open a dramatic rift in the government ahead of a general election expected next year. Read More: Why UK Tories Resent Europe's Human Rights Court: QuickTake In the ECHR's seven-decade history, only two nations have abandoned it: Greece did during a period of military rule, but later rejoined. [Extracted from the article]

Sunak's faltering progress on cutting immigration has caused pro-Brexit Cabinet ministers to publicly suggest the UK could leave the European Convention on Human Rights to enable deportation flights to go ahead. (Bloomberg) -- Rishi Sunak unveiled a new campaign slogan at this week's Conservative Party conference: "Long-term decisions for a brighter future.". [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- In a ninth-century Romanesque-style Catholic abbey in southeast France, several hundred Catalan separatists gather across the Spanish border to celebrate their cultural identity with some of the region's political grandees. A high-ranking party official, though, said it's willing to have talks with Puigdemont's Junts per Catalunya, or Together for Catalonia. There's no doubt Puigdemont could have another day in the political sun, but for now Junts's view is that neither the Socialists nor anybody else is bothering to engage, according to the person familiar with the party's thinking. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Leaders of the 31 countries that comprise the North Atlantic Treaty Organization will gather in Vilnius, Lithuania, for a two-day summit starting Tuesday, as Russia's war in Ukraine nears its 18-month mark. Nevertheless, the assembled leaders - including US President Joe Biden, still the alliance's most powerful figure - are eager to use this week's meeting to signal that the conflict in Ukraine has only strengthened NATO. [Extracted from the article]

Nevertheless, the assembled leaders - including US President Joe Biden, still the alliance's most powerful figure - are eager to use this week's meeting to signal that the conflict in Ukraine has only strengthened NATO. (Bloomberg) -- Leaders of the 31 countries that comprise the North Atlantic Treaty Organization will gather in Vilnius, Lithuania, for a two-day summit starting Tuesday, as Russia's war in Ukraine nears its 18-month mark. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Sinn Fein has become the biggest party in Northern Ireland's local government for the first time ever, a historic victory that will heap pressure on the Democratic Unionist Party to end its Brexit-linked boycott of the region's power-sharing government. Sinn Fein attracted 31% of first preference votes, while the DUP drew 23%, an 8% gain and 0.8% drop respectively from the 2019 local elections. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- No stranger to a crisis, Northern Ireland geared up to celebrate this month as US presidents past and present flew in to join British, Irish and local leaders marking 25 years of peace since the region's violent "Troubles." Neither is met fully by the terms of the Brexit deal, which was signed first by Prime Minister Boris Johnson before the EU and Sunak reached an agreement to ease post-Brexit rules on Northern Ireland. Sharing the stage at an anniversary event this week in Belfast, the Ulster Unionist Party, who like the DUP campaign to protect Northern Ireland's position in the UK, accused it of "trampling all over democracy.". [Extracted from the article]

Both the UK and EU have made clear there will be no more negotiating, though the British government has promised upcoming legislation will provide assurances to unionists about Northern Ireland's place in the UK. Sharing the stage at an anniversary event this week in Belfast, the Ulster Unionist Party, who like the DUP campaign to protect Northern Ireland's position in the UK, accused it of "trampling all over democracy." (Bloomberg) -- No stranger to a crisis, Northern Ireland geared up to celebrate this month as US presidents past and present flew in to join British, Irish and local leaders marking 25 years of peace since the region's violent "Troubles.". [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden's return to Ireland unleashed a wellspring of reflection and parable, even for a man prone to both. Addressing the Irish Parliament, Biden said he and the Irish prime minister, Leo Varadkar, had discussed how the US, Ireland, UK and European Union could together support the people of Northern Ireland. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden's return to Ireland unleashed a wellspring of reflection and parable, even for a man prone to both. Addressing the Irish Parliament, Biden said he and the Irish prime minister, Leo Varadkar, had discussed how the US, Ireland, UK and European Union could together support the people of Northern Ireland. [Extracted from the article]

Biden has also shown little interest in negotiating a free trade agreement with the UK, which had been seen by London as a potential benefit of Brexit. (Bloomberg) -- US President Joe Biden navigated sensitive issues of identity that divide Northern Ireland, and even dangled the carrot of major investment if its peace process endures and power-sharing government is restored. The DUP's anxieties about Brexit and Northern Ireland's place in the UK "are not something that can be changed by anything that the president can say", she said following Biden's speech. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- US President Joe Biden navigated sensitive issues of identity that divide Northern Ireland, and even dangled the carrot of major investment if its peace process endures and power-sharing government is restored. The DUP's anxieties about Brexit and Northern Ireland's place in the UK "are not something that can be changed by anything that the president can say", she said following Biden's speech. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- US President Joe Biden navigated sensitive issues of identity that divide Northern Ireland, and even dangled the carrot of major investment if its peace process endures and power-sharing government is restored. The DUP's anxieties about Brexit and Northern Ireland's place in the UK "are not something that can be changed by anything that the president can say", she said following Biden's speech. Northern Ireland has been without a government since February 2022, when the Democratic Unionist Party boycotted it in protest at post-Brexit trading rules it says align the region with the European Union and weaken its place in the UK. [Extracted from the article]

After topping the polls in May 2022, nationalist party Sinn Fein nominated Michelle O'Neill as First Minister, but the second-placed Democratic Unionist Party have refused to follow suit until their concerns about the Northern Irish Protocol - the part of the Brexit treaty that deals with the region - are resolved. (Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for Northern Ireland's political leaders to end a standoff that has brought the region's devolved government to a halt. Biden met privately with the leaders of Northern Ireland's five main political parties ahead of his speech at Ulster University on Wednesday. [Extracted from the article]

Sunak has pivoted instead to seek more narrow or sectoral pacts, though people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg last week that the premier still hoped to secure a trade deal in "all but name." (Bloomberg) -- The Biden administration deflected British calls for a resumption of trade talks, saying such discussions might next come up in June at a planned meeting with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. [Extracted from the article]

Here's the key business news from London this morning: In The City De La Rue Plc: The British money printer is in talks with lenders to amend banking covenants, reflecting the revised outlook as well as the increase in the company's funding costs resulting from higher Bank of England base rates. (Bloomberg) -- British money printer De La Rue expects profit to miss market expectations as demand for banknotes hovers the lowest levels in over 20 years. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Joe Biden is many things. Biden then heads to the Republic of Ireland to visit Dublin and the counties of his ancestors. [Extracted from the article]

Here's the key business news from London this morning: In The City Ashoka WhiteOak Emerging Markets Trust Plc: The investment firm plans an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange's main market, aiming to raise gross proceeds of £100 million. (Bloomberg) -- The London Stock Exchange's decade-thin listing pipeline has gotten a fillip from Ashoka WhiteOak, an emerging markets investor. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Joe Biden is many things. Sunak, Biden and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar hope to persuade the DUP to take its seats this week, though that outcome remains unlikely. [Extracted from the article]

English Hospitals Can't Guarantee Safety During Doctors' Walkout NHS Providers said last week that health trusts had privately acknowledged that they weren't confident they could maintain patient safety, even if they focused resources on emergency treatment, critical care and maternity and neonatal care. During this week's walkouts, the health service plans to prioritize emergency services, maternity care and critical care, Stephen Powis, NHS England's national medical director, told Times Radio on Sunday. (Bloomberg) -- England's health service is girding for a fresh four-day strike by junior doctors, compounding Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's struggle to end months of labor unrest that has slowed the UK's post-pandemic recovery. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- The week draws to an end with a sense of calm in the London market ahead of a four-day Easter break. In a sparse morning for corporate updates, THG announced a deal that could boost its Ingenuity platform, a higher-margin unit which helps rival retailers sell online. THG Strikes Fresh Deal for Online Beauty Commerce: The London Rush. [Extracted from the article]

Ofcom: The UK's communications regulator's study into cloud infrastructure services in the UK has found features that make it harder to switch between suppliers like Amazon and Microsoft. (Bloomberg) -- The prospect of a Competition and Markets Authority investigation into the cloud infrastructure market in the UK may not dominate the front pages of British newspapers, but it will be important for the thousands of businesses that pay for these services. [Extracted from the article]