Oral Answers to Questions

Lauren Sullivan Excerpts

Wednesday 7th January 2026 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Dr Lauren Sullivan (Gravesham) (Lab)]

1. What recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on improving public services.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Matthew Patrick)]

May I associate myself with your tribute to Karen, Mr Speaker? I also wish you, your team and the whole House a happy new year.

The Secretary of State and I regularly meet Executive Ministers. I recently met the Education Minister, Paul Givan, to discuss integration in our schools. We have provided a record settlement of £19.3 billion for Northern Ireland to improve public services. I look forward to working with all Ministers in Northern Ireland as they deliver on their priorities in 2026.

[Dr Sullivan]

Happy new year, Mr Speaker.

This Government have delivered the largest funding settlement to Northern Ireland since devolution. In addition to that record support to Northern Ireland, and across the United Kingdom, what discussions is the Minister having on sharing best practice with Northern Ireland and across the wider United Kingdom?

[Matthew Patrick]

My hon. Friend is right to mention that record settlement, but it is not just a question of cutting a cheque and walking away; it is also about working and sharing best practice, as she mentioned. I have had conversations with the Northern Ireland Health Minister about how we can share best practice as part of our 10-year NHS plan, and I am confident that we can continue to work together to deliver better outcomes.