Steve Baker: An Unexpected Leader in British-Irish Relations

Last Wednesday, the annual Press and Political Reception was hosted by the Irish embassy in Belgravia, and it was suggested to have the atmosphere of a make-up party where erstwhile friends patch up their ills over a pint. Irish ambassador Martin Fraser likened the Brexit falling out between the UK and Ireland to a family row as he gave a conciliatory speech. However, he singled out Steve Baker, the minister of state at the Northern Ireland Office, for praise, despite Baker’s role as the former chairman of the European Research Group of hardline Tory backbenchers. Baker’s apology to Ireland at last October’s Conservative Party conference is said to have acted as a turning point in Brexit negotiations, paving the way for the Windsor Framework deal. Baker may come under pressure in the next UK general election, but for now, he is seen as a dealmaker and doyen of British-Irish relations.