Northern Ireland City Deals

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock Excerpts

Thursday 10th October 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

I completely agree with the noble Lord, which is why the Secretary of State is meeting this week the chief executives of the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West deals, to see what other support we can give them for reassurances. I am also delighted that the Northern Ireland Executive continued the funding for the two deals so that activities can proceed. We will know in three weeks; I appreciate that this is far from ideal, but we are not necessarily talking about a very extended delay—we will know in 20 days.

[Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab Co-op)]

My Lords, I understand that there were a number of announcements by the previous Government, but no money put in the budget. Is this one of them?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

Unfortunately, because of the previous Government’s mishandling of our fiscal situation, leaving us with a £22 billion deficit, and their having spent the reserves three times before July—that is something quite special—every penny of public funding in-year now needs to be reviewed. However, we will continue to make the arguments based on our number one mission of economic growth. I hope that the Treasury will smile favourably on these two deals. We will continue to do what we can.