Oral Answers to Questions Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateRobin Swann
Main Page: Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist Party - South Antrim)Department Debates - View all Robin Swann's debates with the Department for Business and Trade
(1 day, 17 hours ago)
Commons Chamber Mr Speaker
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Mr Speaker 
        
    
        
    
        It is no use the Secretary State looking at me with a grin as though I am out of order. We are still only on the second question and I have to get some other Members in—that is all I am bothered about. It will get worse shortly—I have got Jim to come! I call Robin Swann.
 Robin Swann (South Antrim) (UUP)
    
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Robin Swann (South Antrim) (UUP) 
        
    
        
    
        I will not take the dig about being short personally, Mr Speaker.
The industrial strategy and the strategic defence review both offer great opportunities to the entire United Kingdom. Can I seek reassurances from the Minister that he will work with the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland businesses get benefit out of both?
 Blair McDougall
    
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Blair McDougall 
        
    
        
    
        I can absolutely give the hon. Member that reassurance. I have already met with my opposite number in the Northern Ireland Executive. The hon. Member mentions defence industries in particular, and it feels like every single month there is a significant defence order as part of the industrial strategy. It shows that these are not just words on paper, but that we are delivering within the real economy.