Oral Answers to Questions

Vicky Ford Excerpts

Wednesday 3rd July 2019 Commons Chamber

[John Penrose]

I join my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in wishing the hon. Member for Ealing North (Stephen Pound) best wishes for his 21-and-a-few-months birthday. I am afraid I cannot answer for my right hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Boris Johnson); that is a skillset I do not have.

[Vicky Ford (Chelmsford) (Con)]

7. What assessment she has made of the benefits to Northern Ireland of being part of the UK.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

8. What assessment she has made of the benefits to Northern Ireland of being part of the UK.

--- Later in debate ---

[Karen Bradley]

I’m sure he will.

As this Government have made clear on numerous occasions, Northern Ireland benefits hugely from being part of the Union. Our steadfast belief is that Northern Ireland’s future is best served within a strong United Kingdom. This Government will never be neutral in expressing our support for the Union.

[Vicky Ford]

Northern Ireland is home to beautiful scenery and stunning beaches. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Government should leave no opportunity unturned to promote tourism in Northern Ireland, especially great events such as the Open Championship, which will be held in Portrush next month for the first time in over 60 years?

[Karen Bradley]

I agree wholeheartedly. I had the honour of visiting Portrush and Royal Portrush last week, and saw the beaches at their best in the sunshine. Mr Speaker, you will be delighted to know that the Open starts after Wimbledon finishes, so I hope that you will be able to enjoy it.