Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Investment in Northern Ireland

Wednesday 22 March 2023 · 6 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Northern Ireland economy has ingredients for success, including a visit by the Secretary of State to the US and upcoming visits to USA and Canada to promote investment opportunities.
  • Northern Ireland is subject to UK law and trade agreements in areas like fintech, offering opportunities in services regulation.
  • Restoring devolved institutions is crucial for maximum investment in Northern Ireland, according to the Minister's response to a question about energy infrastructure.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Theresa Villiers Con
Economy Northern Ireland
Context

The MP asks about steps to increase investment in Northern Ireland.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help increase investment into Northern Ireland?

Answer from Steven Baker

The Northern Ireland economy has ingredients for success. The Secretary of State visited the US last week, and next week I will visit USA and Canada promoting investment opportunities. We are planning an investment summit.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or timeline for increasing investment in Northern Ireland.

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Q2 Theresa Villiers Con
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The MP asks about regulatory reform to attract foreign direct investment post-Brexit.

Question

When does he think we will get to the position where we can do that in Northern Ireland, in the same way that Brexit allows us to do it in Great Britain?

Answer from Steven Baker

On goods, we need an open north-south border. On services regulation, Northern Ireland is subject to UK law and trade agreements, offering opportunities in areas like fintech.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify a timeline for regulatory reform in Northern Ireland post-Brexit.

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Q3 Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry
Northern Ireland Energy
Context

The MP asks about ensuring energy infrastructure complements broadband investment in Northern Ireland.

Question

Will the Minister ensure that the energy infrastructure is such to complement that, thereby offering one of the best inward investment and indigenous business opportunities anywhere in the world?

Answer from Steven Baker

Energy is devolved. The hon. Gentleman should do everything possible to ensure maximum investment in Northern Ireland by restoring devolved institutions.

Not addressed: Did not address the energy infrastructure issue and instead discussed the need for restored devolved institutions.

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Q4 John Baron Con
Northern Ireland
Context

The MP asks about passing the Windsor framework to restore balance and encourage inward investment in Northern Ireland.

Question

Does my hon. Friend agree that in restoring the balance of the Belfast agreement the best approach is to pass the Windsor framework today?

Answer from Steven Baker

The Windsor framework is a dramatic improvement on the protocol. The Government believes it includes compromises but is a step forward for Northern Ireland.

Answered
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Q5 Stephen Farry
Immigration
Context

The MP asks about the application of electronic travel authorisation to Northern Ireland's tourism sector.

Question

Will the Minister work with the Home Office to try to find a practical solution to that problem?

Answer from Steven Baker

We are in conversation with Home Office colleagues. The Government is determined to ensure tourists understand UK immigration requirements and need travel authorisation, taking concerns of authorities seriously.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify a practical solution or timeline for resolving the issue.

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Q6 Richard Thomson
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The MP asks about the economic impact of Brexit and if the Windsor framework will mitigate damage to the Northern Irish economy.

Question

Does the Minister believe that the Windsor framework will undo the proportion of the damage that has been done to the Northern Irish economy?

Answer from Steven Baker

The political turmoil has been unhelpful. The public voted for staying together and leaving the EU, and that is what we are delivering.

Not addressed: Did not address if the Windsor framework will mitigate economic damage caused by Brexit in Northern Ireland.

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