UK Industrial Strategy 2025-04-02

2025-04-02

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Adam Jogee Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Context
Discussions on a new UK industrial strategy involving Northern Ireland are ongoing.
What discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the development of a new UK industrial strategy?
Northern Ireland does indeed have a great industrial heritage. Titanic Studios, for example, had been the paint shed for Harland and Wolff, and now it hosts a lot of film making. Another example is the revival of Harland and Wolff, which, thanks to the takeover by Navantia, will now be building the Navy’s three new fleet solid support ships.
Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions with industry, higher education institutions, and the Executive were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Adam Thompson Lab
Erewash
Context
The UK industrial strategy is being developed, and it includes discussions with Northern Ireland.
Does the Secretary of State agree that the UK industrial strategy is of deep importance to residents of Northern Ireland?
I do indeed, and I wish my hon. Friend every success with the New Stanton Park redevelopment. At the roundtable that I co-chaired last week, we had representatives from manufacturing, from cyber, from small businesses such as Alchemy, and from the chambers of commerce for Derry/Londonderry and for Causeway Coast.
Assessment & feedback
Specific details on New Stanton Park redevelopment were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Chris Vince Lab/Co-op
Harlow
Context
The UK industrial strategy includes city growth deals, including those in Northern Ireland.
Does the Secretary of State agree that Northern Ireland’s four city growth deals can play a vital role?
I wish Harlow every success as well. The city and growth deals are really important to Northern Ireland’s economic future. The Government are investing a considerable amount of money, together with the Executive, private sector partners and businesses.
Assessment & feedback
Specific details on Northern Ireland's four city growth deals were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Josh Dean Lab
Hertford and Stortford
Context
Collaboration is essential to boost productivity, drive clean green power, and build a resilient economy.
Will the Secretary of State set out what political engagement he has had with business leaders on working together to deliver the best for Northern Ireland?
Last Thursday I visited Foyle port and its innovation park. A new data centre will be built there to tap into the renewable energy that is available alongside it. That is a really good example of the port thinking about its economic future and how we will get new businesses in, drawing on the great strength that Northern Ireland has in renewable energy.
Assessment & feedback
Specific details on political engagement with business leaders were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Euan Stainbank Lab
Falkirk
Context
Previous Governments failed to collaborate, and the current Government aims to avoid similar mistakes.
What engagement has the Secretary of State had with political leaders and business sector leaders?
My hon. Friend gives me the chance to talk about the great success of Wrightbus, based in Ballymena, which has won a huge new order from Go-Ahead. It is making the electric and hydrogen buses of the future, and is taking on more staff.
Assessment & feedback
Specific details on engagement with political leaders and business sector leaders were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Alex Burghart Con
Brentwood and Ongar
Context
The House expects the US to announce major changes to its tariff regime, which may cause disruption in the UK. Alex Burghart highlights that Northern Ireland could be particularly affected due to unique arrangements.
We do not yet know what else the US Administration may announce later today apart from tariffs on cars and steel and aluminium. The effects of any tariffs, if imposed, will be felt equally across the UK. Has the Government provided businesses in Northern Ireland with information to help them prepare for different scenarios?
We will have to see what tariffs are announced and then take appropriate action. If the EU retaliates, there will be an issue for Northern Ireland. However, businesses can get tariff reimbursement if they demonstrate that goods bought from the US do not leave the UK.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not confirm whether article 16 would be used to protect businesses in GB and Northern Ireland if they are disadvantaged due to unique arrangements.
Response accuracy