Biden and New UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Discuss Northern Ireland, Other Issues in First Phone Call

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak makes a statement after taking office outside No. 10 Downing Street in London on Oct. 25, 2022. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

President Joe Biden and the new British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shared a phone call on Tuesday during which the two leaders discussed key issues such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the ongoing energy crisis, challenges posed by China, and the Northern Ireland Protocol.

According to a White House readout of the call, Biden also congratulated Sunak on his new role as prime minister after the former chancellor of the Exchequer was appointed by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on Oct. 25.

The two leaders “reaffirmed the special relationship between our countries, underscoring their desire to further enhance cooperation on issues critical to global security and prosperity,” according to the readout.

They also “agreed on the importance of working together to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its aggression, address the challenges posed by China, and secure sustainable and affordable energy resources.”

Finally, Biden and Sunak also discussed their “shared commitment to protecting the gains of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and the need to maintain momentum toward reaching a negotiated agreement with the European Union on the Northern Ireland Protocol,” the White House said.

The phone call comes as the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland continues to remain an important unresolved issue following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union on Jan. 31, 2020, commonly dubbed “Brexit.”

Under Brexit, special agreements were drawn up for Northern Ireland pertaining to trading arrangements, also known as the Northern Ireland Protocol, which would keep Northern Ireland in the European Union’s single market for goods and ensure that a hard border is avoided.

However, the protocol does create a new trade border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

Peace Deal Under Threat

The Northern Ireland Protocol was necessary because Northern Ireland has an EU land border with the Republic of Ireland, and also has a troubled history of violent sectarian conflict. Some leaders feared that a hard border would lead to political instability again while also creating difficulties for many businesses.

Therefore, both the UK and EU agreed that protecting the 1998 Northern Ireland peace deal, also known as the Good Friday Agreement—which ended the political conflict in Northern Ireland and established the capital city of Belfast’s current government system—was essential in managing Brexit.

EU leaders have warned the peace deal is now under threat after the UK government in June introduced controversial plans to override parts of the agreement in order to simplify the flow of goods between Britain and Northern Ireland.

The plans are currently being debated in the House of Lords despite the EU announcing legal action against the UK over the legislation, which EU leaders say would break international law.

At 42, Sunak has become the youngest British prime minister in more than 200 years. Upon stepping into the role last week, the new leader vowed to fix the mistakes he said were made by his predecessor, Liz Truss, who announced she was resigning on Oct. 20 after just 45 days in office.

In his first speech as prime minister on Tuesday after accepting King Charles III’s invitation to form a government in his name, Sunak promised to “place economic stability and confidence at the heart ofU this government’s agenda,” crack down on border control, and “embrace the opportunities of Brexit.” But he warned that his government will need to make “difficult decisions” to reign in soaring government debt and tackle inflation.

“Together we can achieve incredible things,” Sunak said. “We will create a future worthy of the sacrifices so many have made and fill tomorrow, and everyday thereafter, with hope.”