Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Levelling-up Agenda: Opportunities for Northern Ireland

Monday 7 March 2022 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Secretary of State met the then First Minister to discuss opportunities for Northern Ireland from the levelling-up agenda
  • The hon Gentleman identified an opportunity for Northern Ireland through the hydrogen agenda including increased research spending
  • My right hon Friend noted that the next round of levelling-up funding will open soon offering flexibility for places that did not previously qualify for EU aid

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ian Paisley Jnr DUP
Northern Ireland
Context

The MP is seeking details of recent discussions regarding the opportunities for Northern Ireland within the UK's levelling-up initiative.

Question

What recent discussions have there been with the Northern Ireland Executive about the potential opportunities for Northern Ireland from the levelling-up agenda?

Answer from Neil O'Brien

The Secretary of State met the then First Minister to discuss opportunities, and I recently met Conor Murphy, the Minister of Finance, to discuss the delivery of the UK shared prosperity fund in Northern Ireland. We look forward to working closely with the Executive on this.

Answered
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Q2 Ian Paisley Jnr DUP
Transport Climate Northern Ireland
Context

The MP inquired about hydrogen buses as a key economic opportunity under the levelling-up White Paper and sought assurance on the prioritisation of this technology.

Question

In light of the five strategic schemes for zero-emission buses, will the next set include hydrogen buses? Will there be joined-up thinking across departments to ensure this happens?

Answer from Neil O'Brien

The hon. Gentleman correctly identifies an opportunity for Northern Ireland through the hydrogen agenda, including increased research spending outside the south-east and strengthened places agenda, with many opportunities to advance his priorities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific mention of hydrogen buses not addressed, no commitment to joined-up thinking across departments

How: Identified An Opportunity, Increased Research Spending

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Q3 Alun Cairns Con
Local Government
Context

The MP is interested in the opportunities presented by the levelling-up fund to regenerate communities that were not eligible for EU aid, particularly focusing on Barry.

Question

With the end of European aid and new eligibility under the levelling-up fund, will the Minister ensure attention is given to previously ineligible areas like Barry when the next funding round opens?

Answer from Neil O'Brien

My right hon. Friend correctly notes that the next round of levelling-up funding will open soon, offering flexibility and opportunities for places that did not previously qualify for EU aid.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to Barry not given

How: Correctly Notes, Offering Opportunities

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