Speaking after the event, Gavin Robinson said:
“The DUP secured City and Growth Deals as part of our Confidence and Supply Arrangement, knowing that these investments could be game changing for regional economies across large swathes of Northern Ireland.
When the Government announced its decision to pause City and Growth deals for the Mid South West region and Causeway Coast and Glens area, we were deeply disappointed and regarded it as a breach of trust by the new Government. This remains our position.
It has been indicated that a decision on the future of Growth Deals would be outlined in the Budget. Next Wednesday the Chancellor will present her Budget to Parliament, and today I joined my colleagues Gregory Campbell, Sammy Wilson and Carla Lockhart MP, along with representatives from all Northern Ireland parties with representation in Westminster, at an event to highlight to Government the huge potential that can be unlocked in these areas as a result of these Growth Deals.”
Carla Lockhart MP said:
“The Mid South West Growth Deal promised £126m of investment by the Government into Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council area, Mid Ulster and Fermanagh and Omagh, alongside investment from the NI Executive. This investment is absolutely vital if we are to maximise the economic potential of these areas and make progress towards levelling up our economy within Northern Ireland.
The Government is fully aware of the importance of these deals, and the DUP has been engaged in ongoing dialogue with the Secretary of State on the need to lift the pause on these deals. It is welcome that today we presented a united voice from those areas impacted, from across the political spectrum, stressing the need for the Chancellor to allow these deals to move forward in her Budget Statement next Wednesday. We need that clarity, and we need that green light to progress.”
Gregory Campbell MP said:
“Growth deals are essential to delivering improvements to infrastructure, job creation and economic growth, and a key lever as we look to build our economy right across Northern Ireland.
For the Causeway Coast and Glens area, the delivery of this package of support from the Government totalling some £36m, with further funding from Stormont, will be fundamental to making economic progress right across the Council area.”
Pic attached - L to R
Cllr Paul Greenfield, Gavin Robinson MP, Carla Lockhart MP, Roger Wilson (Chief Executive, ABC Council), and Sammy Wilson MP, in attendance at Westminster today urging the Government to Lift the Pause on Growth Deals