Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Manufacturing Supply Chain 2026-07-08

Wednesday 8 July 2026 · 3 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

  • John Slinger inquired about the Minister's discussions with Cabinet colleagues on Northern Ireland's manufacturing supply chain.
  • John Slinger also asked if the Minister agreed that the defence growth deal offered Northern Ireland businesses access to the wider UK defence supply chain, and about the efforts being made to achieve this.
  • Jim Allister criticized the impact of a full international customs border on Northern Ireland's import of steel and the broader supply chain, suggesting it is detrimental.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Slinger Lab
Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

The MP seeks clarity on discussions about supporting local manufacturers and their integration into domestic supply chains post-Brexit.

Question

What discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on the domestic supply chain for manufacturing in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Matthew Patrick

I take every opportunity to champion Northern Ireland's brilliant manufacturing sector, and whether it is Denroy, Airbus or Thales, or even Harland & Wolff, which has just announced that it is bidding for a major UK-Dutch shipbuilding deal, there is a lot to champion.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details of discussions with Cabinet colleagues were not provided.

How: Championing Northern Ireland'S Manufacturing Sector

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Q2 John Slinger Lab
Defence Northern Ireland
Context

The MP inquires about opportunities for local businesses to participate in the UK defence supply chain via the defence growth deal.

Question

Does the Minister agree that the defence growth deal is a chance for Northern Ireland businesses to access the wider UK defence supply chain? What efforts is he making to achieve that?

Answer from Matthew Patrick

I certainly agree with my hon. Friend; many opportunities are arising from the defence growth deal, on which I have worked closely. Many businesses, small and large, across Northern Ireland have dual-servicing capability and they have a real opportunity here. We are supporting them every step of the way.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about efforts to achieve business participation were not provided.

How: Opportunities Arising From The Defence Growth Deal

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Q3 Jim Allister TUV
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The MP criticises the impact of a full international customs border and various import control measures post-Brexit, questioning the Secretary of State's commitment to Northern Ireland.

Question

Ministers from the Northern Ireland Office talk rather glibly about these matters, but the lived reality of the supply chain is very different: a full international customs border that is now inflicting damage on the import of steel; tightening import control system 2 checks; a parcels border; a plants border; and £192 million spent on building border posts—all to placate a European Union to which the Secretary of State and others seem totally beholden. When will the Secretary of State actually stand up for Northern Ireland? Can we please not have the usual trite reply that it is all the fault of Brexit, when it is the very opposite? The denial of Brexit is the altar upon which our supply chains are being sacrificed.

Answer from Matthew Patrick

I worry that the hon. and learned Member is in danger of talking down Northern Ireland and its incredible business opportunities. We are here to champion it. If issues arise from the Brexit that he and others championed, we do our very best to ensure that trades flow smoothly.

Not addressed: The negative impact of post-Brexit customs measures was not addressed.

How: Talking Down Northern Ireland, Championing Business Opportunities

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