Oral Answers to Questions

Stephen Timms Excerpts

Wednesday 2nd March 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Villiers]

Closer working between Ministers and MPs is always desirable. The economic pact gives us a strong platform for doing that. We have brought the economic pact implementation into line with the process for implementing the fresh start and Stormont House agreements, and that gives even more scope for working closely with the hon. Gentleman’s party and others to ensure that the Northern Ireland economy thrives into the future.

[Stephen Timms (East Ham) (Lab)]

5. What steps she is taking to ensure that the Northern Ireland Executive's financial position is sustainable.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mrs Theresa Villiers)]

The Stormont House and fresh start agreements set out a number of measures to assist with the sustainability of the Executive’s finances. These include packages of financial support of around £2.5 billion, implementation of welfare reform, and measures to improve the efficiency of the public sector.

[Stephen Timms]

Does the Secretary of State accept that there is a major threat to the sustainability of the Executive’s finances if her view prevails and the UK leaves the European Union?

[Mrs Villiers]

My colleague the Minister has stated the Government’s position on those matters. The Northern Ireland Executive’s finances are on a more stable footing than they have been for many years. As a result of the fresh start talks, we have settled a budget crisis that was threatening to collapse the institutions. The Labour party should support us in maintaining that financial sustainability.