Asked by: Lord Browne of Belmont (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to give the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the power to change the date of the local elections in that country to avoid the counting of votes clashing with Coronation Day.
Answered by Lord Caine - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The Government already has the power to change the date of local elections by order under section 84 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is considering options to ensure people in Northern Ireland can celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III while ensuring the smooth running of the democratic process.
Asked by: Lord Browne of Belmont (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with Northern Ireland ministers regarding economic growth and development.
Answered by Lord Caine - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
Northern Ireland benefits enormously from the strength and security provided by being an integral part of the UK - the world’s sixth largest economy.
The UK Government has regular discussions with Northern Ireland Executive ministers on a range of topics, including economic growth and development.
The UK Government continues to work to boost economic growth in Northern Ireland, including through the allocation of £400 million funding under the New Deal for Northern Ireland, in the ongoing £617 million City and Growth Deal programme, and through allocations of the Levelling Up Fund and the upcoming UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
However, as economic development is a devolved matter, it is vital that a restored Northern Ireland Executive and locally accountable ministers are in place to take the decisions that will drive economic growth in Northern Ireland.