Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Community Groups: Northern Ireland and Great Britain

Wednesday 19 November 2025 · 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 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister committed to exploring successful Northern Ireland funding models with Cabinet colleagues.
  • Brexit impacted cross-sea group collaborations, though Secretary of State asserts no evidence of majority for constitutional change.
  • UK Government stated there are no proposals to extend European Parliament observer status to Northern Ireland politicians, ensuring engagement through existing agreements.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Quigley Lab Isle of Wight West
Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

The MP noted the significant veteran community on the Isle of Wight, with one in 10 homes home to a veteran. He referenced the government's investment in the connect fund aimed at strengthening collaboration.

Question

As an MP who represents an island that has a significant veteran community, with one in 10 homes in Isle of Wight West home to a veteran, I know how crucial and effective community relations funding is. Will the Minister commit to working with Cabinet colleagues to explore adapting successful Northern Ireland-GB initiatives such as the excellent connect funding, so that similar tailored support can be delivered on the Isle of Wight to ensure that our veterans receive the recognition and assistance that they deserve?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Matthew Patrick)

I am happy to speak to colleagues about the success of the connect fund and how it works. My hon. Friend should know that applications are open to anyone across the United Kingdom, provided that they are working with a group in Northern Ireland. I would be delighted to see applications from his constituents if they wish to do that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to adapting successful initiatives for delivery on the Isle of Wight

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Q2 Claire Hanna Social Democratic & Labour Party Belfast South and Mid Down
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The MP referenced the impact of Brexit on the ability of community groups to serve and support people, highlighting that it was a consequence of the failure to plan for the constitutional change.

Question

Collaboration between groups across the Irish sea is very welcome. Those relationships will always be cherished. Unfortunately, Brexit really impacted the ability of those groups to serve and support people, and that was a consequence of the failure to plan for the constitutional change of Brexit. Regardless of the Minister’s own views on Northern Ireland’s future, that issue is the subject of increased engagement and debate. The SDLP acknowledges that we are not at a tipping point towards a referendum, but the Secretary of State was wrong to say that there is no appetite for one. Does the Minister acknowledge that it is perfectly possible to work to improve the region in the here and now while also planning for the constitutional future that is a new Ireland, as the SDLP is doing?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Matthew Patrick)

The Secretary of State has been clear that currently, there is no evidence that there is a majority in favour of constitutional change. Of course, we defend the principle of consent and the right of the people in Northern Ireland to determine their constitutional future. It is totally legitimate for people to advocate for the future they want to see.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Acknowledgement about the impact of Brexit on collaboration between groups

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Q3 Andrew Murrison Con South West Wiltshire
Northern Ireland Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP questioned the reported attempts to extend European Parliament observer status to politicians in Northern Ireland, suggesting that it is bound to inflame tensions between communities.

Question

Does the Minister agree that reported attempts to extend European Parliament observer status to politicians in Northern Ireland are bound to inflame tensions between communities in Northern Ireland and between communities in Northern Ireland and Great Britain? Will he say that the UK Government will have absolutely nothing to do with this attempt to break up our United Kingdom?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Matthew Patrick)

I have seen no such proposals. We have agreements in place with the European Union to ensure that there is engagement with Northern Ireland on any matters that might impact it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Government's stance on observer status for politicians in Northern Ireland

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Q4 Gavin Robinson DUP Belfast East
Northern Ireland Scotland Wales
Context

The MP highlighted the importance of increasing bonds across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England through initiatives like the East-West Council. He noted that his party agreed in the last Parliament on education collaboration.

Question

The Minister will be enjoying his opportunity to travel across Northern Ireland and see some of the wonderful groups we have. He knows the strength of this United Kingdom, and he knows that increasing the bonds across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England is crucial. He should know that the last Government—supported by his Labour colleagues—agreed that through the East-West Council there should be educational collaboration, so that our young people can mix with one another and draw upon each other’s strengths. Could he indicate how many times he believes the East-West Council has progressed that matter and what plans he has to strengthen those bonds?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Matthew Patrick)

I look forward to the next meeting of the East-West Council. The right hon. Member will know that I met Minister Givan to discuss education matters and how we can ensure that students in Northern Ireland have the best education possible. I agree with the right hon. Member about the importance of shared bonds, and I hope we can progress those further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans for strengthening educational collaboration through East-West Council

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Q5 Gavin Robinson DUP Belfast East
Economy Northern Ireland
Context

The MP highlighted the productivity gap in Northern Ireland, which is masked by an over-reliance on the public sector. He suggested that cross-fertilisation between the Northern Ireland civil service and the home civil service could be beneficial.

Question

In drawing upon the bonds of our country, the Minister will know while Northern Ireland has a greater than average growth rate compared with the rest of the United Kingdom, we still have a productivity gap. Behind that is the fact that our growth is masked by an over-reliance on our public sector. The Minister’s colleagues agreed in the last Parliament—as I am sure he does now—with cross-fertilisation between the Northern Ireland civil service and the home civil service. What plans does he have to increase our ability to draw on expertise and encourage secondments across this United Kingdom?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Matthew Patrick)

I thank the right hon. Member for the opportunity to champion the growth taking place in Northern Ireland, with exciting work in the creative industries and the tech sector. On the opportunities for secondments and shared learning, I made the offer to the Executive Ministers I met last month that where we can share best practice, knowledge and learning, we should do so. I am happy to take forward other suggestions that the right hon. Member may have.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans for secondments across civil services

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