Kevin Bonavia
Main Page: Kevin Bonavia (Labour - Stevenage)Department Debates - View all Kevin Bonavia's debates with the Northern Ireland Office
(4 days, 4 hours ago)
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Alice Macdonald (Norwich North) (Lab/Co-op)
Kevin Bonavia (Stevenage) (Lab)
John Slinger (Rugby) (Lab)
Matthew Patrick
I am happy to join my hon. Friend in doing that. Just last week I visited Mallaghan, where four apprentices were being given incredible opportunities as a result of taking up their jobs, and I am sure they would agree with my hon. Friend’s assessment.
Kevin Bonavia
My hon. Friend will be aware that the defence industry sector is well established in my constituency, where it is building links with its counterparts in Northern Ireland. Does the Minister agree that the defence industrial strategy presents a huge opportunity for businesses in constituencies throughout the country, including Stevenage and most certainly Northern Ireland, where it can help to boost investment, job creation and economic growth?
Matthew Patrick
My hon. Friend is right. The strategy is not just about the defence of the realm; there are economic opportunities that come with it. The defence growth deal on which we are working in Northern Ireland will take advantage of that, and will ensure that small businesses in particular can benefit.