Oral Answers to Questions

Dan Aldridge Excerpts

Wednesday 15th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Jayne Kirkham (Truro and Falmouth) (Lab/Co-op)]

9. What steps his Department is taking to help grow the economy in Northern Ireland.

[Dan Aldridge (Weston-super-Mare) (Lab)]

10. What steps his Department is taking to help grow the economy in Northern Ireland.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)]

The Government’s mission is to encourage growth in Northern Ireland through increased investment, job creation and higher living standards. The Government are working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive to develop Invest 2035, the UK’s modern industrial strategy.

--- Later in debate ---

[Hilary Benn]

I have had a number of discussions with the Executive on that subject, and I am pleased to see that the draft budget for next year contains a plan to raise further revenue to meet the £113 million requirement that was part of the budget restoration agreement. It is really important that the Executive raise additional funds to meet the challenges of improving public services.

[Dan Aldridge]

There are many dynamic tech and digital companies at the vanguard of the mission for economic growth in Northern Ireland. Does the Secretary of State agree that these industries are critical to Northern Ireland’s economic future? What steps are the Government taking to support these industries in growing to their full potential?

[Hilary Benn]

There have already been discussions with businesses in Northern Ireland about the part they can play in the industrial strategy. Cyber-security is a really good example of the huge strength of the Northern Ireland economy; many companies, including from the United States of America, are investing in Northern Ireland because of the skill and expertise to be found.