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Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Richard Thomson (Scottish National Party). It was answered on Wednesday, 26 January 2022 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Balance of Trade with Great Britain and the EU

Question

I take this opportunity to associate my party with the Secretary of State’s remarks about the anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Our thoughts are very much with those who continue to grieve and who continue to be affected to this day.

When it comes to trade, the Government have not so much been ambushed by cake as by reality. While the Northern Ireland economy is thriving as part of the single market, the economy of the UK is labouring. Should the UK Government not, with the opportunities presented by the possibility of a change in Prime Minister, realign Great Britain with Northern Ireland in the single market and allow businesses across these islands to flourish?

Answer

I encourage the hon. Gentleman to do a little more research. It is very good news that the Northern Ireland economy is moving forward, as is the whole UK economy. Of course, in Northern Ireland there are more factors, not least the scale of the public sector compared with anywhere else in the UK. However, it is also true that the UK is moving forward as one of the fastest-growing economies in the G7, if not the fastest, with employment going up from where it was even before covid. That is because the Government are focused on delivering for people across the United Kingdom. I am sure he understands why, as a Unionist, I support that. He should too.

Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
707 c990 
Session
2021-22
Oral question type
Supplementary
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Northern Ireland Balance of trade
Link
View this Oral question on hansard.parliament.uk