➡️ Oral Answers to Questions

Here is a summarized version of the parliamentary session in bullet points:

• Aerospace Sector Support:
  • The Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, discussed ongoing support for the aerospace sector in Northern Ireland, particularly focusing on the Spirit AeroSystems commercial negotiations. He highlighted the historical significance of the site and expressed hope for a commercial outcome that maintains jobs and production.
• Harland and Wolff’s Future:
  • Hilary Benn welcomed Navantia UK’s acquisition of Harland and Wolff, mentioning that this would secure the future of the shipyards and around 1,000 jobs. Concerns were raised regarding the impact on local suppliers due to Harland and Wolff’s administration.
• Public Services Reform:
  • Minister Fleur Anderson discussed the need for urgent reforms in Northern Ireland’s public services, particularly health and education. Funding issues for integrated education were highlighted, and the necessity for public service transformation was acknowledged.
• Legacy Issues and ICRIR:
  • Discussions involved the repeal and replacement of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, with a focus on reforming the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery. The commitment to addressing past human rights abuses and fostering reconciliation was emphasized.
• Economic Growth Strategies:
  • The government’s strategy includes boosting investment, creating jobs, and enhancing living standards through a modern industrial strategy named Invest 2035. Discussions touched on the dual market access of Northern Ireland, and the importance of various sectors like agrifood, cybersecurity, and AI.
• EU Regulations Impact:
  • There were discussions on how EU regulations might disrupt goods supply within the UK, specifically mentioning the challenges businesses face due to the Northern Ireland Protocol.
• Welfare for Tax Increases:
  • Concerns about the impact of increased employer National Insurance contributions on job creation were raised. The Minister justified these increases as necessary for fiscal stability and public service investments.
• Prime Minister’s Engagement:
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer mentioned ongoing engagements, particularly focusing on the AI revolution’s integration into the education and economic system to boost jobs and growth. He also addressed issues like railway upgrades, economic stability, and international relations.
• Miscellaneous Points:
  • The Prime Minister addressed cross-party remarks on several issues, including immigration, economic growth, public services, debt management, and international trade agreements post-Brexit. He also committed to investigating the availability of dental services in Scotland and showed support for Ukraine’s efforts against antimicrobial resistance.

This session covered a range of issues from economic strategies and public service reforms to international relations and legacy matters, reflecting the diverse areas of concern for both Northern Ireland and the broader UK.

The session exhibits a moderate level of disagreement, primarily centered around policy differences and the impact of government actions on various sectors in Northern Ireland. Key points of contention include discussions about the aerospace and manufacturing sectors, with specific concerns raised about Spirit AeroSystems and Harland and Wolff, and the economic implications of EU regulations. For instance, the debate over the split of the Spirit AeroSystems plant and the potential impact on local jobs shows disagreement, with Members expressing different views on commercial versus governmental interventions. Similarly, the debate on legacy issues, particularly around the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery, reveals disagreement on how to handle past conflicts and reconciliation. There is also notable contention over public service funding and reforms, highlighted by discussions on the health service and education, with Members from different parties expressing dissatisfaction with progress and allocation of funds. However, the disagreements are mostly policy-focused and do not escalate into personal attacks or accusations, staying relatively within the bounds of parliamentary debate. Overall, the disagreements are significant but presented in a manner that reflects a typical level of contention found in parliamentary discussions.