Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK Industrial Strategy

Wednesday 2 April 2025 · 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 0 Partly answered 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Secretary of State discussed the development of a new UK industrial strategy with the Northern Ireland Executive.
  • The Secretary of State acknowledges the importance of the UK industrial strategy to Northern Ireland residents.
  • The Secretary of State supports the role of Northern Ireland's four city growth deals in the region's economic future.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Adam Jogee Lab Newcastle-under-Lyme
Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

Discussions on a new UK industrial strategy involving Northern Ireland are ongoing.

Question

What discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the development of a new UK industrial strategy?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)

Northern Ireland does indeed have a great industrial heritage. Titanic Studios, for example, had been the paint shed for Harland and Wolff, and now it hosts a lot of film making. Another example is the revival of Harland and Wolff, which, thanks to the takeover by Navantia, will now be building the Navy’s three new fleet solid support ships.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions with industry, higher education institutions, and the Executive were not detailed.

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Q2 Adam Thompson Lab Erewash
Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

The UK industrial strategy is being developed, and it includes discussions with Northern Ireland.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that the UK industrial strategy is of deep importance to residents of Northern Ireland?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)

I do indeed, and I wish my hon. Friend every success with the New Stanton Park redevelopment. At the roundtable that I co-chaired last week, we had representatives from manufacturing, from cyber, from small businesses such as Alchemy, and from the chambers of commerce for Derry/Londonderry and for Causeway Coast.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on New Stanton Park redevelopment were not provided.

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Q3 Chris Vince Labour (Co-op) Harlow
Economy Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

The UK industrial strategy includes city growth deals, including those in Northern Ireland.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that Northern Ireland’s four city growth deals can play a vital role?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)

I wish Harlow every success as well. The city and growth deals are really important to Northern Ireland’s economic future. The Government are investing a considerable amount of money, together with the Executive, private sector partners and businesses.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on Northern Ireland's four city growth deals were not provided.

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Q4 Josh Dean Lab Hertford and Stortford
Economy Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

Collaboration is essential to boost productivity, drive clean green power, and build a resilient economy.

Question

Will the Secretary of State set out what political engagement he has had with business leaders on working together to deliver the best for Northern Ireland?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)

Last Thursday I visited Foyle port and its innovation park. A new data centre will be built there to tap into the renewable energy that is available alongside it. That is a really good example of the port thinking about its economic future and how we will get new businesses in, drawing on the great strength that Northern Ireland has in renewable energy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on political engagement with business leaders were not provided.

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Q5 Euan Stainbank Lab Falkirk
Business & Trade
Context

Previous Governments failed to collaborate, and the current Government aims to avoid similar mistakes.

Question

What engagement has the Secretary of State had with political leaders and business sector leaders?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)

My hon. Friend gives me the chance to talk about the great success of Wrightbus, based in Ballymena, which has won a huge new order from Go-Ahead. It is making the electric and hydrogen buses of the future, and is taking on more staff.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on engagement with political leaders and business sector leaders were not provided.

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Q6 Alex Burghart Con Brentwood and Ongar
Northern Ireland Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The House expects the US to announce major changes to its tariff regime, which may cause disruption in the UK. Alex Burghart highlights that Northern Ireland could be particularly affected due to unique arrangements.

Question

We do not yet know what else the US Administration may announce later today apart from tariffs on cars and steel and aluminium. The effects of any tariffs, if imposed, will be felt equally across the UK. Has the Government provided businesses in Northern Ireland with information to help them prepare for different scenarios?

Answer from Hilary Benn

We will have to see what tariffs are announced and then take appropriate action. If the EU retaliates, there will be an issue for Northern Ireland. However, businesses can get tariff reimbursement if they demonstrate that goods bought from the US do not leave the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not confirm whether article 16 would be used to protect businesses in GB and Northern Ireland if they are disadvantaged due to unique arrangements.

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