The first reception to mark St Patrick’s Day was held at Downing Street. It comes amid a thaw in relations between the UK and Irish governments. Speaking at Wednesday’s event, Prime Minister Kier Starmer said that Northern Ireland was close to his heart and that the Good Friday Agreement was the greatest achievement of the Labour Party in his lifetime. Guests included TV presenter Dermot O’Leary, Olympic medallists Daniel Wiffen and Hannah Scott, Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Blu Hydrangea. Dancers from Portstewart-based Innova Irish dance company performed for guests arriving at Downing Street.
