Northern Ireland City Deals Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Northern Ireland City Deals

Alex Easton Excerpts
Wednesday 9th October 2024

(2 months, 1 week ago)

Commons Chamber
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Hilary Benn Portrait Hilary Benn
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I have already indicated to the House that I of course give that assurance. As I said in answer to the previous question, all those who have an interest in these schemes progressing and who are concerned about the impact of the pause—the plug has not been pulled, and you cannot pause a plug, but I think the hon. Member will understand the point—should be making the case, too.

Alex Easton Portrait Alex Easton (North Down) (Ind)
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If the two city deals do not go ahead and the money is not found through the Treasury, will those deals continue to be parked or will they be dead and buried forever? Can the Secretary of State give a reassurance that those deals will continue, maybe further down the line?

Hilary Benn Portrait Hilary Benn
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I think we are going to have to wait for the Chancellor’s announcement on 30 October, but as I have already told the House, other partners are involved in those deals. Of course, I welcome the Executive’s announcement yesterday that they will proceed with the funding of elements of those deals out of the money that they have.