Debates between Allison Gardner and Hilary Benn during the 2024 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Allison Gardner and Hilary Benn
Wednesday 24th July 2024

(4 months, 4 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Emily Darlington Portrait Emily Darlington (Milton Keynes Central) (Lab)
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14. Whether he has had discussions with the Irish Government on UK-Ireland relations.

Hilary Benn Portrait The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
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A fortnight ago, the Minister and I met the Tánaiste Micheál Martin in Hillsborough, where we discussed strengthening relations between our two Governments, given the importance of our relationship with Ireland. The Prime Minister and the Taoiseach also held a bilateral meeting ahead of the European Political Community meeting last week.

Allison Gardner Portrait Dr Gardner
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Duchess China, which I believe are the suppliers of your excellent commemorative china service, Mr Speaker, is based in my constituency. The Republic of Ireland is an important export market for the company, and Northern Ireland is an important part of its domestic market. How will relations across the Irish sea and the Northern Ireland-Ireland border be enhanced for the benefit of companies such as Duchess China?

Hilary Benn Portrait Hilary Benn
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I congratulate my hon. Friend on the company that she mentioned and the products that it produces. We are committed to protecting the integrity of the UK internal market, so that great firms in Great Britain and in Northern Ireland are able to sell right across the United Kingdom and internationally. Northern Ireland in particular has extraordinary opportunities and so much potential, which we need to build on. One of the most important contributions that the Executive can make is to ensure stability, because that is what investors are looking for.