Co-operation with Northern Ireland Businesses 2024-01-24
2024-01-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the economic disparity between the south-east of England and regions like the south-west of Scotland and Northern Ireland. The background highlights a 12-mile stretch of water between Scotland and Northern Ireland which acts as a barrier to business cooperation.
Whether he is taking steps to promote co-operation between businesses in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The economic powerhouse of the United Kingdom is usually centred in the south-east, to the detriment of regions like the south-west of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Will he do more to ensure that this small 12-mile stretch of water between Scotland and Northern Ireland is bridged in business terms by greater co-operation and expansion opportunities for people on either side?
The UK Government have taken action to make trade between Scotland and Northern Ireland easier. The UK Government have committed to providing funding for targeted improvements to the A75, which will provide better links between Cairnryan ferry terminals serving Northern Ireland and south-west Scotland, benefiting businesses on both sides of the north channel. I fully recognise the strong economic ties between south Scotland and Northern Ireland and look forward to working with him to enhance these links.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about bridging the 12-mile stretch in business terms was not directly addressed, despite acknowledging the potential for enhanced economic ties.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the economic disparity between the south-east of England and regions like the south-west of Scotland and Northern Ireland. The background highlights a 12-mile stretch of water between Scotland and Northern Ireland which acts as a barrier to business cooperation.
Will he do more to ensure that this small 12-mile stretch of water between Scotland and Northern Ireland is bridged in business terms by greater co-operation and expansion opportunities for people on either side?
The hon. Member makes an important point about enhancing economic ties between south Scotland and Northern Ireland through improved transport links such as A75 and ferry connections. I am committed to working with him to improve these links.
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Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging the importance of bridging economic ties, the answer did not provide specific commitments or actions.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the perceived economic advantages that Northern Irish businesses have over Scottish ones due to their access to the single market, which the Prime Minister has described as one of the world's most exciting economic zones.
Does the Minister agree with the Prime Minister's description of Northern Ireland as a “world's most exciting economic zone” and what is he doing to ensure that Scotland gets similar arrangements?
Scotland does not share a land border with the EU like Northern Ireland, and it is disappointing that the SNP is seeking to play party politics with the situation in Northern Ireland. We will protect the unique place of Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about similar economic arrangements for Scotland was not addressed; instead, the answer focused on defending the current arrangement for Northern Ireland.
Response accuracy