Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Investment: Technology Businesses

Wednesday 2 July 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 6 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government support has led to over 1,500 international tech companies setting up operations in Northern Ireland.
  • Northern Ireland's tech sector is seen as crucial for the UK's ambition to become an AI superpower.
  • The Dublin to Belfast economic corridor, including Lagan Valley, is identified as a significant investment opportunity.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Steve Yemm Lab Mansfield
Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

Recent discussions with technology businesses on investing in Northern Ireland.

Question

I am concerned about the recent discussions Minister has had with technology businesses regarding investment in Northern Ireland. I would like to know if she could outline the many good reasons for tech companies to invest there and what steps have been taken to promote this opportunity?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Fleur Anderson)

I welcome the opportunity to promote Northern Ireland’s tech companies here. Over 1,500 international companies have set up operations there due to Government support, strong working relations with the Executive, dual market access, a concentration of tech firms, academic support from Ulster University and Queen's University, and most importantly, a skilled workforce with industry-ready skills.

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Q2 Emily Darlington Lab Milton Keynes Central
Northern Ireland Science & Technology Women & Equalities
Context

Potential for Northern Ireland's tech sector to contribute to becoming an AI superpower while addressing online safety concerns.

Question

Does the Minister agree that Northern Ireland’s tech sector can play a huge part in making the UK an AI superpower? However, as highlighted by the Northern Ireland Committee, chaired by my hon. Friend the Member for Gower (Tonia Antoniazzi), there is a link between online safety and rates of domestic abuse in Northern Ireland. How does the Government plan to support tech companies while ensuring women's safety?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Fleur Anderson)

We recognise the epidemic of violence against women and girls, including online safety issues. There are opportunities for AI companies to work on technology ensuring perpetrators are caught and justice is done while promoting AI growth zones as part of the industrial strategy.

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Q3 Neil Coyle Lab Bermondsey and Old Southwark
Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

Ensuring full benefits of the new industrial strategy support companies in Northern Ireland, including central London.

Question

Tech businesses are significant in my central London constituency. Can Minister assure me that the full advantages of the industrial strategy will help companies in Northern Ireland and generate business opportunities throughout the UK?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Fleur Anderson)

The industrial strategy is beneficial for Northern Ireland. It offers certainty to businesses and investors, aligning well with strengths such as advanced manufacturing, cyber, defence, creative industries, life sciences, and financial services, providing increased UK-wide funding opportunities.

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Q4 Sorcha Eastwood Alliance Lagan Valley
Economy Scotland Business & Trade
Context

Potential for the Dublin to Belfast economic corridor in Lagan Valley.

Question

Does Minister agree that the Dublin to Belfast economic corridor, including my constituency of Lagan Valley, will play a crucial role and is a huge investment opportunity?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Fleur Anderson)

Belfast is central to the UK’s industrial strategy on cyber and tech, aiming to be one of the top three places globally by 2035. Growth and city deals are vital components supporting such opportunities.

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Q5 Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry
Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

Potential for Ballykelly to become a logistics hub and tech business location.

Question

Tech businesses in Northern Ireland could benefit from a Heathrow logistics hub. Considering Ballykelly's large land base, nearby seaport, airport, and railway line, does the Minister see it as an ideal spot for such a venture?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Fleur Anderson)

Hon. Member is an excellent representative, and the plea for investment in Ballykelly as a location for such a hub has been heard.

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Q6 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
Northern Ireland Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Conversations with public sector broadcasters like ITV about future investment in Northern Ireland.

Question

As Chair of the Select Committee and the ITV all-party parliamentary group, we hosted an event last night with ITV and UTV. What conversations is Minister having with public sector broadcasters regarding future investments?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Fleur Anderson)

Various businesses, including tech companies, fintech firms, cyber-security providers, and advanced manufacturers like Catagen, are part of the strong ecosystem. Broadcasters can engage with these entities making Northern Ireland an attractive place to invest.

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