Oral Answers to Questions

Robbie Moore Excerpts

Wednesday 21st June 2023 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con)]

9. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to promote Northern Ireland businesses overseas.

[Robbie Moore (Keighley) (Con)]

11. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to promote Northern Ireland businesses overseas.

[The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr Steve Baker)]

As a result of the Windsor framework, Northern Ireland will be in the unique position of being part of the UK internal market as of right, having privileged access to the EU market, being under UK services regulation, and having access to the free trade agreements to which we are acceding. In addition, I have led trade missions with Invest Northern Ireland to Canada and South Korea to promote brilliant Northern Ireland businesses overseas, and will take further similar steps.

--- Later in debate ---

[Robbie Moore]

How will the New Deal for Northern Ireland funding help to boost economic growth and increase Northern Ireland’s competitiveness overseas?

[Mr Baker]

The £400 million in the new deal for Northern Ireland funding will underscore the UK’s commitment to supporting and protecting the interests of people and businesses in Northern Ireland. New deal funding has been invested in projects such as £15 million for the Skill Up project to improve skills, £11 million for a cyber-AI hub at Queen’s University Belfast, and a number of other projects, including £8 million for Invest NI to help to promote trade. It is a commitment of which we are very proud and I could speak at even greater length.