East-West Business Council 2024-02-28
2024-02-28
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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The proposed east-west business council aims to deepen connections between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK in key areas like trade, transport, education, and culture.
What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the proposed east-west business council?
The Government are working to establish an east-west business council, fulfilling our pledge to identify opportunities for deepening connections between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK in areas such as trade, transport, education and culture. I shall be in regular contact with other Ministers across Government to ensure timely delivery.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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The Economic Statistics Centre of Excellence estimated that 80% of Northern Irish freight exports to England come through Scotland, highlighting the importance of Scottish involvement.
I thank the Minister for his answer. The Economic Statistics Centre of Excellence has estimated that 80% of Northern Irish freight exports to England come through Scotland, while a considerable proportion of NI trade with Britain is direct trade between the north of Ireland and Scotland. Given this, what concrete role does he see, or propose, for the Scottish Government on the new East-West Council?
The Government of Scotland have their rights and are entitled to be part of these arrangements, and we shall be respectful in engaging with the Scottish Government to ensure they play a full part, fully respecting the devolution settlement.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Members of the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly play a key role in improving understanding between the EU and the UK about how the trade and co-operation agreement should work.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Northern Ireland Members of the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, including the right hon. Member for Lagan Valley (Sir Jeffrey M. Donaldson), play a very important role in improving understanding between the EU and the UK about the way in which the trade and co-operation agreement should work, and in easing the way for a better relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union?
I do agree with my right hon. and learned Friend. I pay tribute to him for the leading role he plays in that forum, and a large number of colleagues have put effort into building up bonds of friendship under the trade and co-operation agreement.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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The East-West Council potentially opens up a space for co-operation between Scotland and Northern Ireland on common issues.
The East-West Council, as proposed, is something that I am personally very enthusiastic about, because it potentially opens up a space in which Scotland and Northern Ireland can co-operate, along with other parts of the UK, on all that they have in common economically, socially and culturally. Will the ministerial team at the Northern Ireland Office agree to meet me, so we can discuss how Scotland could play a positive role in that?
Yes, of course. We would be delighted to meet the hon. Member to discuss those matters.
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