Sporting and Cultural Events 2020-06-24

2020-06-24

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Q1 Direct Answer
Ian Paisley Jnr DUP
North Antrim
Context
Northern Ireland aims to attract major sporting and cultural events, such as the World Rally Championship.
What support is being provided to help attract major sporting and cultural events to Northern Ireland in 2021? The United Kingdom's involvement in next season's world rally championship is uncertain with GB not included in nine of eleven rounds. Will the Secretary of State assist by co-funding the event with the Northern Ireland Executive during our centenary year?
The hon. Gentleman is a consistent and passionate advocate of hosting a round of the world rally championship in Northern Ireland. We can safely say that if it does come to Northern Ireland, he will have been a driving force. In the 'New Decade, New Approach' agreement, the Government have already pledged up to £2 billion to help the Executive deliver on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland, but I would be very happy to support the Executive to foster closer ties and better collaborative working across sectors of the UK to attract the WRC and a portfolio of other events to Northern Ireland.
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