Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Northern Ireland Economy

Wednesday 5 February 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Robin Walker confirmed that the Government are reviewing the devolution of Air Passenger Duty.
  • Jeffrey M. Donaldson raised the importance of continuing unfettered access to the UK market for economic growth.
  • Simon Hoare asked to ensure that the voice of the Northern Irish economy is heard in relation to immigration policies.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Laurence Robertson Con Blyth Valley
Economy Taxation Northern Ireland
Context

The UK Government is providing significant funding to Northern Ireland through various programmes.

Question

Robin Walker mentioned the success of attracting investment in Northern Ireland. Will he discuss corporation tax reduction, VAT on tourism, and air passenger duty with the Executive? He understands that both have been reduced in the Republic of Ireland.

Answer from Robin Walker (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland)

My hon. Friend raises important points; I confirm that the Government are reviewing the devolution of APD, as previously committed, and that review is ongoing.

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Q2 Jeffrey M. Donaldson DUP Lagan Valley
Economy Business & Trade
Context

There is a commitment to specific legislation on ensuring unfettered access between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

Question

Welcoming the success of Invest NI in attracting investment, will he discuss the importance of continuing unfettered access to the UK market for economic growth? It's essential for businesses to make investment decisions.

Answer from Robin Walker (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland)

I recognise the importance raised; we are committed to having legislation in place by the end of the year, but discussions through usual channels will determine precise timing.

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Q3 Simon Hoare Con North Dorset
Immigration Northern Ireland
Context

The economy requires a skilled, motivated workforce which is supported by the skills base in Northern Ireland.

Question

Acknowledging that the skills base needs support to grow, will he ensure that the voice of the Northern Irish economy is heard in relation to immigration policies? Some indications from the Migration Advisory Committee report are welcomed by businesses.

Answer from Robin Walker (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland)

I congratulate my hon. Friend on re-election as Chair; he makes an important point, and I confirm that concerns will be communicated across Government including to the Home Office.

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Q4 Karen Bradley Con East Yorkshire
Economy Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

Restoration of the Executive will unlock much potential in the Northern Ireland economy.

Question

Recognising that restoration of the Executive will unlock potential, what benefits will the Northern Ireland economy receive from being part of the fifth largest economy in the world? There are new opportunities as we trade more globally and strike new free trade deals.

Answer from Robin Walker (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland)

My right hon. Friend speaks with knowledge; she is correct that Northern Ireland's economy benefits from its membership of the United Kingdom, offering new opportunities as we trade globally and strike free trade deals.

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