Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 13 March 2023 to Question 161241 on Broadband, if he will hold discussions with Invest NI on taking steps to highlight the availability of gigabit-capable broadband to potential inward investors.

Northern Ireland is leading the way for gigabit-capable broadband across the UK with over 90% coverage, made possible by a competitive commercial supplier market and substantial UK Government funding.

The broadband connectivity in Northern Ireland presents an excellent opportunity for investors. Many cyber technology, financial technology, and wider digital investors are already capitalising on this infrastructure, providing fantastic local employment across Northern Ireland.

The Department for Business and Trade is working with the Northern Ireland Office and Invest Northern Ireland on the Investment Summit taking place in Belfast. This will promote Northern Ireland as a leading destination to live, work, and invest. Many factors contribute to this, including brilliant connectivity infrastructure.