Oral Answers to Questions

Jayne Kirkham 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.

--- Later in debate ---

[Hilary Benn]

I certainly do, and I have been greatly impressed by the commitment of those involved in developing the growth deals to investing in boosting economic growth in their areas.

[Jayne Kirkham]

Could the Secretary of State update the House on what recent discussions he has had with the Executive about steps to increase revenue, in order to help to deliver longer-term financial sustainability and grow the economy in Northern Ireland?

[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.