Oral Answers to Questions

Euan Stainbank Excerpts

Wednesday 2nd April 2025 Commons Chamber

[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.

[Euan Stainbank (Falkirk) (Lab)]

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

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

Economic growth is the priority for this Government, and our industrial strategy is central to achieving it. Last week I co-hosted a roundtable with the Minister for the Economy in Northern Ireland, Caoimhe Archibald, and business organisations to discuss how we can work together to ensure that the industrial strategy benefits Northern Ireland.

--- Later in debate ---

[Hilary Benn]

Last Thursday I visited Foyle port and its innovation park. A new data centre will be built there to tap into the renewable energy that is available alongside it. That is a really good example of the port thinking about its economic future and how we will get new businesses in, drawing on the great strength that Northern Ireland has in renewable energy. I hope we see more such developments.

[Euan Stainbank]

My constituents in Falkirk saw at first hand the failure of Governments to collaborate in the previous Parliament. What engagement has the Secretary of State had with political leaders and business and sector leaders, such as those in bus manufacturing, to work together to deliver the best for Northern Ireland?

[Hilary Benn]

My hon. Friend gives me the chance to talk about the great success of Wrightbus, based in Ballymena, which has won a huge new order from Go-Ahead. It is making the electric and hydrogen buses of the future, and is taking on more staff. I would encourage anyone across the United Kingdom who is thinking of buying buses for their fleet to see what is available at Wrightbus.