Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Vince Excerpts

Wednesday 2nd April 2025 Commons Chamber

[Adam Thompson (Erewash) (Lab)]

4. What discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the development of a new UK industrial strategy.

[Chris Vince (Harlow) (Lab/Co-op)]

8. What discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the development of a new UK industrial strategy.

[Josh Dean (Hertford and Stortford) (Lab)]

9. What discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the development of a new UK industrial strategy.

--- Later in debate ---

[Hilary Benn]

I do indeed, and I wish my hon. Friend every success with the New Stanton Park redevelopment. At the roundtable that I co-chaired last week, we had representatives from manufacturing, from cyber, from small businesses such as Alchemy, and from the chambers of commerce for Derry/Londonderry and for Causeway Coast. Those businesses can see the industrial strategy resulting in great opportunities for the people and businesses of Northern Ireland.

[Chris Vince]

A core objective of the Government’s modern industrial strategy is to unleash the full potential of our cities and regions, which is as true in Northern as it is in my constituency of Harlow. Does the Secretary of State agree that Northern Ireland’s four city growth deals, which the Government committed to at the Budget, can play a vital role in this?

[Hilary Benn]

I wish Harlow every success as well. The city and growth deals are really important to Northern Ireland’s economic future. The Government are investing a considerable amount of money, together with the Executive, private sector partners and businesses. Among the projects that the city and growth deals will support are those relating to digital innovation, decarbonisation and digital health—yet another example of the great strength of the Northern Ireland economy.