Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Gross Domestic Product: Northern Ireland

Wednesday 24 April 2024 · 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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK Government committed to long-term economic growth in Northern Ireland through the Northern Ireland investment summit and city and growth deals.
  • Restored Northern Ireland Executive and over 3 billion in financial package seen as positioning for potential business success.
  • Minister visited aerospace companies like Spirit AeroSystems to recognize skilled workforce and ensure advantages for industry growth.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Selous Con
Economy Northern Ireland
Context

Northern Ireland's economy faces challenges, but there is a financial package of over £3 billion provided to the Executive. The questioner seeks specific actions being taken by the UK Government.

Question

What steps he is taking to help increase GDP in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Steven Baker

The UK Government are committed to the long-term economic growth of Northern Ireland and have delivered the Northern Ireland investment summit; spent £617 million on four city and growth deals; implemented key deliverables in the “Safeguarding the Union” Command Paper, and continue to promote unique institutional arrangements.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked for specific steps to increase GDP, but the answer provided general commitments without detailed specifics on measures or initiatives.

How: General Support

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Q2 Andrew Selous Con
Economy Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

The question follows a financial package of more than £3 billion provided to the restored Executive in Northern Ireland. The context highlights the potential for transformational success but seeks affirmation and details on implementation.

Question

With the Executive restored and enjoying a financial package of more than £3 billion, does the Minister agree that Northern Ireland businesses are now in position for an era of transformational success?

Answer from Steven Baker

Absolutely, and I am grateful to my hon. Friend for highlighting that, but funding is, of course, only one part of the solution. The transformation of public services is vital, but achieving that will require innovative strategic thinking as well as some revenue raising.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner sought confirmation and additional measures beyond funding for transformative success, but the answer provided general support without detailing specific actions or strategies.

How: General Commitment

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

The skilled workforce in Northern Ireland presents an opportunity for increased investment and job creation. The question arises from a need to align Cabinet discussions with actions that promote employment in specific sectors.

Question

I thank the Minister for his answer. We have a massively skilled workforce in Northern Ireland, as everyone here knows, including the Minister. However, in order to increase investment, we must create more skilled jobs and employ more people in the aerospace sector. What discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues about securing more jobs in our aerospace community in Northern Ireland? We can do more; we just need a bit more help.

Answer from Steven Baker

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his question. I have visited Spirit AeroSystems, as well as other related companies, and there is a terrific pool of talent and skill in Northern Ireland. We work with the Department for Business and Trade to ensure that the same advantages are available to people and businesses in Northern Ireland as across the rest of the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner requested specific details on discussions regarding job creation, but the answer provided general statements about visits and talent without detailing concrete actions or steps taken to secure jobs.

How: General Commitment

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