Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what initiatives they are undertaking to protect the union of nations within the United Kingdom.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

To ensure that we are indeed a United Kingdom, it is crucial to give greater importance to respect and collaboration, working in the service of people across the country. This is high on the list of this government’s priorities. The Prime Minister convened the first Council of the Nations and Regions earlier last month, delivering on a manifesto promise to rewire the way the UK Government operates.

Focussed on investment and growth, the Council saw First Ministers and Deputy First Minister from the Devolved Governments come together with regional mayors to collaborate and seize opportunities to secure long-term investment and boost growth. The agenda included discussion on how to boost growth and inward investment across the UK, including through an industrial strategy and the Investment Summit.

The Prime Minister also held bilateral meetings and a joint meeting with the Devolved Government First Ministers and Deputy First Minister focussed on supporting intergovernmental relations as we continue to reset our relationship and work together to deliver for people across the UK.

This Government was elected to deliver for people throughout the United Kingdom the public expect us to work together to deliver on their priorities.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to establish Freeports in Northern Ireland.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The government has confirmed the continuation of the Freeport and Investment Zones programmes across the UK, which will promote investment opportunities, create additional jobs, and drive economic growth. Given the alignment between Freeport and Investment Zone objectives, in Northern Ireland these programmes have been combined into the Enhanced Investment Zone. This will bring together the overall funding envelopes of both programmes in a bespoke offer for Northern Ireland, reflecting its unique economy, sectoral strengths and opportunities. Northern Ireland’s combined allocation could be open to flexible use between tax incentives and spend.

The government will work in partnership with the Northern Ireland Executive to co-develop proposals for the Enhanced Investment Zone.