Press release: Industrial Strategy will help unlock Northern Ireland’s potential

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP said:

The Industrial Strategy is a vital part of the plan set out by the Prime Minister last week to drive growth across the whole United Kingdom and create more high skilled, high paid jobs and opportunities.

New Sector Deals and investment in research and development will support the industries of the future where the UK – and Northern Ireland in particular – has the potential to lead the world, from electric vehicles to biotech and quantum technologies.

My engagement with the Northern Ireland business community over the last six months has left me in no doubt about the opportunities that Northern Ireland can unlock. Today’s Strategy Green Paper offers Northern Ireland businesses a valuable opportunity to address sector-specific challenges and work with government on solutions that can help.

I will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders in Northern Ireland to explore how to maximise the positive impact that this Strategy can have in Northern Ireland, particularly in exploring Sector Deals, removing barriers to innovation and growth and developing new trade and investment deals to increase exports.

I will also be making the case for political stability as a fundamental basis for industrial success. Securing strong, stable devolved institutions in Northern Ireland that will provide leadership, support innovation and boost skills will be vital to delivering on Northern Ireland’s potential as a place to invest and do business.

There is a pedigree of achievement in Northern Ireland to build upon with 54,000 more people in work than in 2010. Now is the time to build on that success and look ahead to future opportunities, as the government steps forward to help build a United Kingdom that works for everyone.