International Investment in Northern Ireland 2023-09-14
2023-09-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Northern Ireland seeks increased international investment to boost its economy.
What steps are being taken with Cabinet colleagues to help increase international investment in Northern Ireland? I am concerned about the economic growth and development opportunities for Northern Ireland through increased foreign direct investment.
Just yesterday I was in Belfast where my Department delivered the Northern Ireland investment summit in partnership with the Northern Ireland Office and Invest Northern Ireland. Five hundred delegates, including investors from 24 countries around the world, attended to see at first hand the unique opportunities for inward investment in Northern Ireland across a range of sectors, including life sciences and advanced manufacturing.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was not directly addressed with concrete steps or policies being implemented. The answer provided context but lacked specifics on actions taken to increase international investment.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a proposal to create an investment zone that covers the whole of Northern Ireland to bring much-needed investment.
What consideration has been given to creating an investment zone that covers the whole of Northern Ireland to bring much needed investment to that part of the United Kingdom? I am proposing this idea for its potential impact on attracting investors and boosting economic growth in the region.
It is a very interesting idea. Investment zone policy is owned by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, so I will raise it with the Secretary of State there and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Officials from the UK Government and the Northern Ireland civil service continue to work closely to explore developing investment zone policy in the country.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was not fully addressed as the answer did not provide concrete plans or commitments but indicated a willingness to discuss the idea with relevant departments.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Harland & Wolff has recruited nearly 1,000 people recently and seeks to play a part in the UK shipbuilding industry.
First I thank the Secretary of State for the investment conference held in Belfast. We see this as a commitment to Northern Ireland. When it comes to international investment, we have seen Harland & Wolff recruit almost 1,000 people recently and they wish to play their part in the UK shipbuilding industry. What discussions has the Secretary of State had with relevant departments to ensure that Northern Ireland can take its place in this important sector?
This is an area where Northern Ireland has a comparative advantage. As we hosted the summit, we all looked out at the docks and could see that shipbuilding is integral to the country. UKEF supports many companies building ships who wish to export this magnificent UK product across the world.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was not fully addressed as the answer provided context but did not detail any concrete discussions or support mechanisms for Harland & Wolff in the shipbuilding industry.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK ranks low in business investment compared to G7 countries.
Business investment is lower in the UK than any other G7 country, and we rank 27th out of 30 OECD countries. There has been under-investment by Government and business amounting to half a trillion pounds. How does the Secretary of State plan to reverse this trend?
What the hon. Lady did not say is that business investment is increasing at a faster rate than in other countries. She did not mention full expensing policies brought by the Chancellor to tackle this issue, nor that we are the top destination for investment across financial services and many areas.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was completely avoided as the answerer focused on disputing facts presented rather than addressing how to reverse the trend of low business investment.
Disputing Statistics
Redirecting Focus
Response accuracy