🤝 Oral Answers to Questions

• UK Industrial Strategy and Northern Ireland:
  • The Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, discussed the UK industrial strategy with the Northern Ireland Executive and business leaders at a recent roundtable.
  • The strategy aims to boost economic growth, with specific focus on sectors like manufacturing, cyber, and small businesses in Northern Ireland.
  • Examples of successful initiatives include the revival of Harland and Wolff, which will build new fleet support ships, and the growth of Titanic Studios for film production.
  • Northern Ireland’s city growth deals, supported by government investment, are seen as crucial for economic development in areas like digital innovation and health.
• Defence Expenditure and Supply Chain:
  • The government plans to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027, which is expected to benefit defence companies in Northern Ireland.
  • This increase aims to create jobs and strengthen economic ties between Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK.
  • The Ministry of Defence is also setting up a hub for small and medium-sized enterprises to access the defence supply chain more easily.
• Great British Energy and Clean Power:
  • Great British Energy, a new initiative, will operate across the UK, including Northern Ireland, to reduce reliance on imported gas and lower energy bills.
  • The government is working with Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy to increase clean energy deployment, with initial funding of £1.6 million.
  • There are concerns about the impact of renewable energy projects on tourism, but the government sees wind and solar power as opportunities for growth.
• Autumn Budget 2024 Impact:
  • Northern Ireland received a record £18.2 billion funding settlement for 2025-26, which the Executive will allocate.
  • There are concerns about the impact of increased national insurance contributions on GP surgeries and small businesses, but the government believes the overall economic growth in Northern Ireland will help mitigate these effects.
  • The government is also addressing concerns about inheritance tax changes affecting dairy farms, stating that the majority of farms will not be affected.
• Public Sector Reform:
  • Public sector reform is a priority, with £129 million allocated for transformation in health, education, justice, and waste water services.
  • The government and the Northern Ireland Executive are working together to share best practices and improve public services, including health services.
  • There is a focus on ensuring that the public sector workforce is representative of the community, addressing under-representation issues.

The session shows a moderate level of disagreement, primarily centered around specific policy impacts and broader economic concerns. Here are the key points of disagreement with examples:

1. Impact of US Tariffs: There is a notable disagreement on the potential adverse effects of US tariffs on Northern Ireland, as expressed by Alex Easton and Robin Swann. The Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, acknowledges the potential issues but maintains a cautious approach, indicating that actions will be taken based on the unfolding situation. This shows a disagreement on the immediacy and severity of the potential impacts.

   Example: Alex Easton questions the safeguards of the UK industrial strategy against the Windsor Framework’s potential adverse effects, while Hilary Benn explains the necessity and effectiveness of the framework.

2. Windsor Framework: Jim Allister raises concerns about the Windsor Framework, suggesting it hinders the industrial strategy due to EU state aid rules and customs borders. Hilary Benn defends the framework as a necessary arrangement, highlighting its benefits for the Northern Ireland economy. This creates a clear point of contention over the framework’s impact.

   Example: Jim Allister argues, “Unless or until we get rid of those hindrances, how do we liberate such a strategy?” while Hilary Benn responds, “The Windsor framework… is the only available means of managing the challenge.”

3. Defence Expenditure and Legacy Issues: Gavin Robinson presses for a commitment to support Northern Ireland’s defence sector more explicitly, linking it to broader national values. Hilary Benn agrees but emphasizes the existing commitments, revealing a slight disagreement on how committed the government is perceived to be.

   Example: Gavin Robinson states, “When we consider the capacity to arm those who defend us…,” and Hilary Benn responds by affirming support but focusing on existing actions.

4. Net Zero Policies and Energy: Sammy Wilson expresses concern about the impact of net zero policies on tourism, specifically regarding a wind farm project. Fleur Anderson counters by emphasizing the opportunities offered by wind farms and the necessity of transitioning to clean energy, showing a disagreement on the balance between economic development and environmental policies.

   Example: Sammy Wilson warns about the wind farm’s effect on tourism, whereas Fleur Anderson counters, “Wind farms and solar power offer huge opportunities to Northern Ireland.”

5. Budget and Tax Policy: Sarah Bool and Mike Wood raise specific concerns about the impact of budgetary measures, such as national insurance hikes and inheritance tax changes, on sectors like healthcare and agriculture in Northern Ireland. Hilary Benn defends these measures as necessary responses to financial constraints left by the previous government, indicating disagreement over the policy’s fairness and impact.

   Example: Sarah Bool argues that the national insurance hikes are “catastrophic” for GP surgeries, while Hilary Benn justifies them as filling a fiscal gap.

While the disagreements are present, they are handled with a degree of professionalism and are often followed by explanations from the Secretary of State or Minister, aiming to clarify and reassure. The session, therefore, does not reach high levels of conflict but displays a notable amount of differing opinions, warranting a rating of 2 for disagreement.