Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

City and Growth Deals

Wednesday 27 November 2024 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Minister signed the heads of terms document for the Mid South West growth deal alongside Northern Ireland officials on 6 November.
  • These deals involve partnerships between the Northern Ireland Executive, UK Government, local authorities, and business, including the use of heritage as a regenerative tool.
  • The Secretary of State will consider the outcome of the consent vote in the Northern Ireland Assembly to determine if an independent review of the city and growth deals is necessary.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Edwards Lab Tamworth
Northern Ireland
Context

Discussions were held to sign the heads of terms document for the Mid South West growth deal.

Question

What discussions has he had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the future of city and growth deals in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Hilary Benn

It was a pleasure to sign the heads of terms document for the Mid South West growth deal alongside the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Minister for Finance on 6 November. These deals are a partnership between the Northern Ireland Executive, the UK Government, local authorities and businesses.

Answered
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Q2 Sarah Edwards Lab Tamworth
Northern Ireland Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Belfast has seen economic redevelopment partly driven by embracing its heritage.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that we must continue to support heritage as a regenerative tool in Northern Ireland and the wider UK with deals like this?

Answer from Hilary Benn

I agree. These deals are all about partnerships and places, including their heritage. All those are an integral part of the approach. In Belfast, the city deal is roaring ahead with things such as the advanced manufacturing centre and considerable investment in digital.

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Q3 Claire Hanna Social Democratic & Labour Party Belfast South and Mid Down
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The forthcoming Windsor framework review presents an opportunity to look at issues beyond east-west trade.

Question

Will the Secretary of State consider ambitious terms of reference for that review, to allow us to maximise growth and innovation by exploring issues such as dual market access and north-south co-operation?

Answer from Hilary Benn

As set out in law, whether there is an independent review depends on the outcome of the consent vote that will take place in the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Government would be under a legal obligation to commission a review if it is not passed with cross-community consent.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific terms of reference for the review were not addressed directly, only the conditions for conducting one.

How: Depends On The Outcome Of The Consent Vote

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Q4 Gavin Robinson DUP Belfast East
Education Northern Ireland
Context

The project to support a skills and education centre has been paused.

Question

I associate myself with the Minister of State's remarks about Ken Reid. He was a colossus of Northern Ireland politics, and journalism more broadly across the country. I thank her for those comments. The Secretary of State will know that getting the city and growth deals back on track was good, following the disappointment of the pause that followed the incoming Government. He will also know that there was a commitment in the spring Budget to support a skills and education centre at the Crusaders football club, for £2.2 million. That remains paused. I think the Minister of State has taken an interest in that project, and I would be keen for the Secretary of State to confirm that he will raise it with the Deputy Prime Minister.

Answer from Hilary Benn

I am aware of the pause that affects the particular project to which the right hon. Gentleman referred. Consideration will then have to be given to how that may or may not be taken forward, but I note his interest and I will follow developments carefully.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific commitment to raise the issue with the Deputy Prime Minister was not made directly, only noted as of interest.

How: I Will Follow Developments Carefully

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Q5 Gavin Robinson DUP Belfast East
Economy Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

Businesses are concerned about product safety standards hindering trade between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Question

The Secretary of State knows that city and growth deals are about economic growth and ensuring prosperity within Northern Ireland. Is he aware of the concerns among businesses in England, Wales and Scotland, who are saying that, as a result of the general product safety standards emanating from the European Union, they cannot send their products to Northern Ireland? That is in stark contrast to the British Government's position to maintain standards on CE markings with the European Union. What advice and support can he give those businesses in Northern Ireland who want to trade, and to consumers who want to buy, in their own country but are currently frustrated from doing so?

Answer from Hilary Benn

Advice is being provided about the general product safety regulation. Many companies already meet its terms, because they are exporting from the UK to the European Union. There are steps that some businesses will have to take, but I hope the impact will be very small, because there is a way to get through it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific advice and support requested was not directly provided, only that advice is being given about regulations.

How: Advice Is Being Provided, There Are Steps Businesses Will Have To Take

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