Oral Answers to Questions

Peter Grant Excerpts

Wednesday 22nd November 2023 Commons Chamber

[Kirsten Oswald (East Renfrewshire) (SNP)]

5. What discussions he has had with the Administration in Northern Ireland on the potential impact of budgetary constraints on the delivery of public services in Northern Ireland.

[Peter Grant (Glenrothes) (SNP)]

9. What discussions he has had with the Administration in Northern Ireland on the potential impact of budgetary constraints on the delivery of public services in Northern Ireland.

[The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr Steve Baker)]

Northern Ireland’s finances are unsustainable, I am sorry to say, and the Departments are facing difficult decisions to live within their budgets. That is why my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has directed the Departments, using powers under the Northern Ireland (Interim Arrangements) Act 2023, to launch public consultations on measures to support budget sustainability and raise more revenue.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Baker]

It is not our view that the people are being punished for an impasse. The reality is that the budget situation is difficult for all the devolved nations. The hon. Lady will know that in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, difficult decisions have to be taken in order to live within our means. This Government are taking the necessary steps to assist the Executive in balancing the books.

[Peter Grant]

Whoever is responsible for the current stalemate in Northern Ireland, it is not young people in the country’s schools. My hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow South West (Chris Stephens) has pointed to the desperate shortfall in funding. Is the Minister aware that teachers in Northern Ireland have not had a pay increase for three years, so effectively they have taken a pay cut that is now over 20%? Can he explain how that will help to maintain the proud record of education in Northern Ireland that he spoke about a few minutes ago?

[Mr Baker]

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that teachers have not hesitated to impress that point on me when I have been in Northern Ireland. It is a matter that we have under active consideration, but I am unable to satisfy him today.

Oral Answers to Questions

Peter Grant Excerpts

Wednesday 21st June 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mr Baker]

We are in frequent conversation with the vice-chancellors. The hon. Gentleman will remember that we have taken a power to commission advice and to consult, and he will know that there is a need to look at revenue raising. All those things come together and point in a direction on which I hope, in the end, there will be consensus: to ensure that the excellent higher education sector in Northern Ireland continues to be a beacon of great education for the world.

[Peter Grant (Glenrothes) (SNP)]

6. What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the budget for public services in Northern Ireland.

[John Mc Nally (Falkirk) (SNP)]

8. What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the budget for public services in Northern Ireland.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Chris Heaton-Harris)]

For many years, the UK Government have recognised the unique challenges that Northern Ireland faces. We have provided around £7 billion in additional funding to Northern Ireland since 2014, on top of the Barnett-based block grant. Northern Ireland Executive spending per person is around 20% higher than the equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the United Kingdom.

[Peter Grant]

A recent study has showed that 90% of people in Northern Ireland are having to cut back on their spending. The cost of living crisis means that a third are cutting back a lot on basics such as food, fuel and housing. Against that background, the Secretary of State’s Government are imposing real-terms budget cuts across almost the whole public sector in Northern Ireland. At the time of a cost of living crisis, are his budget cuts making the crisis better or worse?

Oral Answers to Questions

Peter Grant Excerpts

Wednesday 21st March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Newlands (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (SNP)]

5. What recent discussions she has had with the Irish Government on cross-border trade after the UK leaves the EU.

[Peter Grant (Glenrothes) (SNP)]

6. What recent discussions she has had with the Irish Government on cross-border trade after the UK leaves the EU.

[Tommy Sheppard (Edinburgh East) (SNP)]

7. What recent discussions she has had with the Irish Government on cross-border trade after the UK leaves the EU.

--- Later in debate ---

[Karen Bradley]

I think that I just answered that question. There will be frictionless trade and movement at the border, and no new physical infrastructure.

[Peter Grant]

Last week, the Prime Minister spoke quite favourably about the “Smart Border 2.0” report from Dr Lars Karlsson. Yesterday, in evidence to the Brexit Committee, Dr Karlsson confirmed that the report was not tailored to the needs of Ireland and that it was incompatible with the December agreement that there would be no hard border in Ireland. Can the Government confirm that Dr Karlsson’s report will not form the basis of any future negotiations or agreement with the EU?

[Karen Bradley]

I confess that I am not familiar with that particular report. I will look into it.