Economic growth in Northern Ireland: new and emerging sectors

Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Open Inquiry
Opened: 10 Jul 2025 Parliament page
Kickstarting economic growth is the number one mission for this Government’s term in office. In this inquiry, the committee will examine plans to deliver economic growth in Northern Ireland, including the recent UK Industrial Strategy, with a particular reference to emerging sectors or ‘industries of the future’. Read our call … Read more
8 Recommendations
5 Conclusions
1 Report
5 Oral sessions
2 Letters
5 Events
Activity timeline 9 events
15 Jul
2026
Correspondence
29 Jun
2026
Oral evidence
25 Jun
2026
Report published
3 Jun
2026
Oral evidence
23 Mar
2026
Report published
4 Mar
2026
Correspondence
4 Feb
2026
Oral evidence
7 Jan
2026
Oral evidence
19 Nov
2025
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 5 sessions
29 Jun 2026
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Blair McDougall MP · Department for Business and Trade Matthew Patrick MP · Northern Ireland Office Paul Flynn · Northern Ireland Office Sally Jones · Department for Business and Trade
3 Jun 2026
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Richard Williams · Northern Ireland Screen Sam Turner · Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, Queen's University Belfast Shane Corcoran · RenewableNI Shane Corcoran · RenewableNI Simon Whittaker · NI Cyber Steven Morrison · Agrifood and Bioscience Institute
4 Feb 2026
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Colin McCabrey · InterTradeIreland The Rt Hon. the Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee DBE · Intertrade UK
7 Jan 2026
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Alison McCullagh · Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Councillor Tim McClelland - Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) Steven Norris · Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
19 Nov 2025
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David Quinn · Queen's University Belfast Professor Paul Bartholomew · Ulster University Robert Hill · Matrix Panel Stuart Anderson · Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Title HC No. Published Items Response
4th Report – Economic growth in Northern Ireland: new and emergi… HC 1193 23 Mar 2026 13 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
3 results
Clear
3 Recommendation Acknowledged
4th Report – Economic growth in No…
There should be a Northern Ireland representative on the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council, to ensure...
There should be a Northern Ireland representative on the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council, to ensure the voice of Northern Ireland’s business community can feed into policy development and ensure that the Strategy appropriately supports economic growth in Northern Ireland. (Recommendation, … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of Northern Ireland's voice in UK-wide policy and states it is currently considering how NI voices can be more effectively heard within national policy development structures, including through representation on decision-making panels.
Northern Ireland Executive Northern Ireland Office
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6 Conclusion Acknowledged
4th Report – Economic growth in No…
Intertrade UK has the potential to be a key source of advice and solutions for...
Intertrade UK has the potential to be a key source of advice and solutions for the UK Government, but its Board membership needs to be broader to ensure that the east-west trade challenges faced by GB-based businesses are considered. It … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomes the committee's reflections on Intertrade UK and endorses its potential as a source of advice, noting that it is now implementing its work programme. However, the response does not address the committee's concern about broadening Board membership or the time taken for establishment.
Northern Ireland Executive Northern Ireland Office
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7 Recommendation Acknowledged
4th Report – Economic growth in No…
The Secretary of State should appoint a GB representative to the Board of Intertrade UK.
The Secretary of State should appoint a GB representative to the Board of Intertrade UK. (Recommendation, Paragraph 40) Unlocking economic growth
Government Response
The government acknowledges the desire for broader representation on the Intertrade UK Board and states it has discussed this with the Chair, committing to consider further appointments in line with the organisation’s Terms of Reference.
Northern Ireland Executive Northern Ireland Office
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Government Response AI assessment · 13 of 8 classified
Accepted 2
Accepted in Part 3
Acknowledged 3
Deferred 2
Rejected 3
Total 8 recs + 5 conclusions
Correspondence 2 letters
15 Jul 2026 Correspondence from Department for Business and trade relating to Economic Growth Follow Up – Pausing of the Export Champions Programme, dated 14 July 2026.
Parliament page
4 Mar 2026 Correspondence from the Secretary of State relating to the reserve claim of £400m for the Northern Ireland Executive, dated 27 February 2026.
Parliament page