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The British-Irish Council is hosting its 42nd meeting, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in attendance for the first time. The summit, which will discuss climate change and clean energy, will also feature talks from senior government ministers, deputy leaders, and representatives of crown dependencies and devolved administrations. The council was created to strengthen relations between nations as part of the Good Friday Agreement.
One of the key topics for discussion at the meeting will be how to finance the ‘just transition’ from fossil fuel energy to greener alternatives, ensuring that workers are not left behind as the economy shifts. Sir Keir has previously named improving household finances and transitioning to clean energy among his government’s six priorities.
Although the meeting provides an opportunity for constructive dialogue, relations between the UK government and the devolved administrations have been strained in recent months. Holyrood ministers are calling for more than £500m to compensate for increased public sector staffing costs, while the UK government has proposed a payment of around £300m. There is also tension over a proposal to scrap the two-child benefits cap, with Holyrood requesting assistance from the Department for Work and Pensions to provide funding to affected families in Scotland.
Despite these challenges, Scottish First Minister John Swinney has welcomed the opportunity to come together as a council to discuss the challenges facing the nations over the next 25 years. He emphasised the urgent need to share knowledge, efforts, and actions in order to tackle climate change and protect the planet for future generations
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