Asked by: Gavin Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party - Belfast East)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when information on the operation of the Local Growth Fund in Northern Ireland will be available.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
As announced at the Spending Review, from 2026-27 the UK Government will provide targeted, long-term local growth funding to support growth across Northern Ireland, once the UK Shared Prosperity Fund ends in March 2026.
My department is working in close partnership with the Northern Ireland Executive and Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government to implement and develop the new Local Growth Fund. The Government is committed to engagement with stakeholders in Northern Ireland to help implement a package of funding that meets local needs and delivers impact. More information on the development of the Local Growth Fund in Northern Ireland and engagement plans will be set out soon.
Asked by: Jim Allister (Traditional Unionist Voice - North Antrim)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 10 September 2025 to Question 74994 on the Independent Review of the Windsor Framework, which hon. Members from Northern Ireland were given an advanced briefing on the reports contents by the Northern Ireland Office.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
As stated previously, the Northern Ireland Office speaks to parties regularly and does not give a running commentary on those discussions.
Asked by: Leigh Ingham (Labour - Stafford)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the Strategic Framework to End Violence against Women and Girls.
Answered by Matthew Patrick - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office)
It is our collective shame that Northern Ireland has the highest rate of violence against women and girls in the UK.
This Government is committed to halving violence against women and girls in a decade, a commitment I feel very strongly about. I will work with the Executive and groups across Northern Ireland so that women, girls and children are safe.
Asked by: Katrina Murray (Labour - Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on health services in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Matthew Patrick - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office)
With our record settlement for Northern Ireland, and work of the Executive, waiting lists are starting to come down.
Soon, I will meet with Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to discuss long-term transformation.
Asked by: Simon Opher (Labour - Stroud)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on health services in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Matthew Patrick - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office)
With our record settlement for Northern Ireland, and work of the Executive, waiting lists are starting to come down.
Soon, I will meet with Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to discuss long-term transformation.
Asked by: Mike Reader (Labour - Northampton South)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will take steps to help reduce administration for businesses required to complete declarations for goods staying in Northern Ireland under trusted trader schemes.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
On 1 May, the Government introduced important new arrangements for freight and parcel movements to ensure that goods can continue to move smoothly from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
The new arrangements ensure that parcels sent to or from consumers will not be subject to customs declarations or duty.
We have also introduced a range of schemes to support businesses by removing unnecessary checks and paperwork on goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland; over 15,000 businesses are already signed up to the UK Internal Market Scheme.
Oct. 14 2025
Source Page: The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial) Order 2025Oct. 14 2025
Source Page: The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial) Order 2025Oct. 14 2025
Source Page: The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial) Order 2025Oct. 14 2025
Source Page: Northern Ireland Troubles Bill to repeal and replace Legacy Act