Our guests in the Gallery are very welcome. I want to raise the issue of the election results in Britain last weekend. I am sure most of us are watching our phones to see developments and what might shape up in Britain with regard to the Prime Minister. That is important because Britain is our nearest neighbour but it is also important for several other reasons. This is the first time the Administrations in the North, Scotland and Wales have been led by pro-independence First Ministers. Michelle O'Neill was elected in 2022, there is John Swinney in Scotland, and Rhun ap Iorwerth of Plaid Cymru has now been elected in Cardiff. There already is a close working relationship between ourselves, and I am sure many people in Ireland, the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru. Since both leaders have been elected there is now a commitment to strengthen this relationship and to work together to achieve self-determination and independence for Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The election result has profound implications for the British state and the union, as the prospect of significant constitutional change is gathering pace not just in Ireland but in Britain as well. That requires us on this island to step up our engagement on this, particularly at Government level.

Another reason the election is potentially important for us, and again this underlines the absolute necessity for the Government to engage and prepare on behalf of the people here, is the rise in support for Reform. If the election result were to be repeated in the British general election, and that is not a foregone conclusion, there is the real prospect of a Reform and Nigel Farage-led government. Bear in mind this is the party that brought us Brexit, with a reckless disregard for the implications for Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement. Its approach to politics is generally from the Trump playbook, which is about creating chaos and uncertainty to benefit the very wealthy few.

It is incumbent on us to ensure Ireland does not once again become collateral damage from British nationalist interests. I urge the Government, and I ask the Deputy Leader to urge the Government, to begin engagement with the British Government, whoever may lead it after today, given that it certainly has at least some time to run. The idea committed to by both Government parties of active preparation for reunification now has an added urgency. There is real jeopardy and uncertainty coming down the line in terms of British politics and who might lead it. The relationship with Britain is very important to us and it will continue to be. I ask the Deputy Leader to raise this issue with the Government and to underline the importance and urgency of early engagement directly with the British Government on planning for constitutional change on this island and our future relationship with the island of Britain.