Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Proposed Police Training College: Kinnegar

Wednesday 25 March 2026 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Alex Easton inquired about discussions with the Chancellor regarding funding for a police training college in Kinnegar.
  • The Minister acknowledged the Police Service of Northern Ireland's purchase of the site in Easton's constituency last year.
  • The Minister expressed willingness to visit the proposed site at Holywood and commended the PSNI for its excellence and courage.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Easton Ind North Down
Policing & Resources Northern Ireland
Context

The speaker raises concerns about the potential benefits and development opportunities for a police training college at Kinnegar, highlighting its significance.

Question

If he will have discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential merits of providing funding for the development of a police training college at Kinnegar. The Police Service of Northern Ireland purchased the site in my constituency last year, and I believe this represents an opportunity to enhance policing.

Answer from Matthew Patrick

We are all indebted to the men and women who serve in our police force, who work day in, day out to keep our communities safe. I know that the Police Service of Northern Ireland purchased the site in the hon. Member's constituency last year. He will know that policing and justice is devolved, so the next steps are for the PSNI and the Executive to discuss a way forward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The minister did not address the specific request for funding discussions with the Chancellor.

How: Policing And Justice Is Devolved

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Q2 Alex Easton Ind North Down
Policing & Resources Northern Ireland
Context

The speaker emphasizes the importance and excellence of policing in Northern Ireland, particularly the courage displayed by police officers. He also mentions a 54-acre site at Holywood for developing expertise.

Question

Does the Minister agree that policing in Northern Ireland has consistently showcased excellence, with some of the most courageous public service anywhere in the UK? The development of a new police college on a 54-acre site at Holywood represents a unique opportunity to build expertise. Will he agree to join me for a site meeting to discuss funding opportunities to develop that policing college in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Matthew Patrick

I would be very happy to join the hon. Member on that visit. He makes his case powerfully and rightly pays tribute to the brave men and women who serve in our police. I am sure that the Executive will have heard his case for the PSNI as well.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The minister did not commit to discussing specific funding opportunities during the site visit.

How: The Executive Will Have Heard His Case

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