Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Nigel Mills Excerpts
Wednesday 11th March 2015

(9 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Theresa Villiers Portrait Mrs Villiers
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I have met trade union groups on various occasions, including in Northern Ireland, and I am of course hugely supportive of the work done by our public servants and our front-line workers. It is important that the whole public sector takes part in the austerity programme, and the Government are doing everything they can to put our public finances right to ensure that we can continue to provide the best possible public services for the country.

Nigel Mills Portrait Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con)
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What impact does the Secretary of State think another round of stalemate at Stormont will have on measures to attract investment and encourage growth in Northern Ireland?

Theresa Villiers Portrait Mrs Villiers
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There is no doubt that the announcement by Sinn Fein on Monday was a significant setback for the Stormont House agreement, but it is inevitable that there will be bumps in the road with agreements of this nature. That has been the case in the past. I will be working hard to get things back on track and to help the parties get this matter resolved. Political stability is, of course, crucial when it comes to attracting inward investment. That is one of the many reasons why we need to press ahead with implementing the Stormont House agreement.