Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Bridgen and Theresa Villiers

Thursday 6th February 2020 Commons Chamber

[Theresa Villiers]

I have discussed that with the National Farmers Union, and there is real merit in its proposal. We continue to consider it, but I can assure my hon. Friend and the House that, whatever the mechanism, we will engage very closely with farmers and other stakeholders as we take forward our trade negotiations.

[Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)]

Can my right hon Friend put the House at ease and confirm that any trade agreement will have to be ratified under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 and that this House will therefore have a full opportunity to scrutinise any effect of trade deals on our food standards?

[Theresa Villiers]

I can; this House will be involved in scrutiny of our trade negotiations, and I look forward to having those debates with hon. Members.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Bridgen and Theresa Villiers

Wednesday 11th June 2014 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)]

1. What assessment she has made of progress made by the Northern Ireland Executive on building a shared future in Northern Ireland.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mrs Theresa Villiers)]

In May 2013, the Northern Ireland Executive published their strategy, “Together: Building a United Community”, which contained a number of key actions to help build a shared future for Northern Ireland. The Government support efforts to embed the political settlement through the delivery of those commitments. Additional borrowing powers have been granted to the Northern Ireland Executive by the Government to support those programmes.

[Andrew Bridgen]

Like my right hon. Friend, I welcome the publication last year of “Together: Building a United Community” by the Northern Ireland Executive. Does she agree that addressing community divisions is absolutely key if Northern Ireland is to gain the full benefits of the peace process?

[Mrs Villiers]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Apart from anything else, it is crucial to address those issues to embed political stability, because that is key in attracting inward investment and boosting Northern Ireland’s prosperity. The Government, including the Prime Minister, have pushed the Northern Ireland Executive on these matters and very much welcome the progress that is now being made.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Bridgen and Theresa Villiers

Wednesday 2nd April 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Villiers]

The National Crime Agency will still be able to be part of the fight against fuel laundering, because it is a reserved matter. The latest development is the announcement of the introduction of a new fuel marker, for which I know the right hon. Gentleman and his DUP colleagues have pressed very strongly, and which is to be produced by the Dow Chemical Company. Work is being done on both sides of the border to strengthen the fight against fuel laundering, and work is also under way on the new marker, which will be much more difficult to remove from fuel.

[Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)]

There were 30 national security attacks in Northern Ireland in 2013. Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that there will be a relentless and effective pursuit of the small but violent minority of people in Northern Ireland who prefer terrorism to democracy?

[Mrs Villiers]

I can certainly give that assurance. The Government remain absolutely committed to combating terrorism in Northern Ireland and elsewhere. Strong support for the PSNI is vital, which is why we have given it significant extra resources. We also recognise the crucial importance of combating other forms of crime in Northern Ireland, including crime committed by individuals linked to loyalist paramilitaries.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Bridgen and Theresa Villiers

Wednesday 27th November 2013 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)]

7. What assessment she has made of the effect of the investment conference held in Belfast in October 2013.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mrs Theresa Villiers)]

The investment conference was attended by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and successfully highlighted the many benefits of doing business in Northern Ireland. Although it is too early to assess the full impact, Invest Northern Ireland has said that it is actively engaging with a number of companies as a direct result of the conference.

[Andrew Bridgen]

Does my right hon. Friend agree that Northern Ireland is a fantastic location to do business, as demonstrated by the firms that have already invested there, such as Allstate, HBO and Bombardier? Does she also agree that what would be disastrous for the Northern Irish economy as a location for investment and jobs would be any repeat of the scenes we saw because of the flag protest in the run-up to last Christmas and earlier this year?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Bridgen and Theresa Villiers

Wednesday 23rd January 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Villiers]

Yes, it is disgraceful that this violence has occurred, and the fact that it has had such an impact on police resources is deeply regrettable. It makes it much more difficult for the police to continue their commitment to community policing and outreach in the community, which is another reason why the violence has to stop.

[Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)]

11. What discussions she has had with Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive on attracting inward investment.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Bridgen and Theresa Villiers

Thursday 23rd February 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Villiers]

It is difficult for me, as a Minister, to comment on the specific deal, as that is a matter for the competition authorities. It is worth bearing in mind that Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow have 60,000 such flights a year, so there is excellent connectivity as things stand. It is important that in our discussions with the European Commission on its airports package we ensure that it is aware of the importance of regional connectivity. We will look into that in our aviation framework document. Our plans for High Speed 2 will deliver a three and a half hour journey time between Scottish destinations and London, which will provide an attractive alternative to aviation.

[Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)]

BMI’s headquarters is at Castle Donington in my constituency. Many of my constituents are very concerned about their employment prospects at the company. Will my right hon. Friend update the House on the progress of the proposed takeover by International Airlines Group?

[Mrs Villiers]

My understanding is that the directorate-general for competition at the European Commission has been informed, and that the Office of Fair Trading is in contact with the parties and the Commission on the proposed sale.