Tag: Northern Ireland Office

The press release issued by Northern Ireland Office on 12 January 2023.

Secretary of State Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris met Micheál Martin TD, Irish Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence today in Hillsborough.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 11 January 2023.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP and the Foreign Secretary, the Rt Hon James Cleverly MP have met NI political leaders to discuss the issues created by the Northern Ireland Protocol.

In attendance were the Rt Hon Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP and Gordon Lyons MLA of the DUP, Andrew Muir MLA and Paula Bradshaw MLA of Alliance and Doug Beattie MC MLA and Robin Swann MLA of the UUP.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland highlighted the serious situation that the current governance gap is having on the people of Northern Ireland, especially in terms of the delivery of public services, and laid out the next steps in the legislation passed to manage Executive formation.

During his visit, the Foreign Secretary also met with business groups, and toured the Saintfield Garden Centre and Nursery to hear about some of the specific difficulties caused by the Protocol.

Providing an update on talks between the UK Government and the European Union, the Foreign Secretary reflected on the agreement reached earlier this week regarding the EU’s access to UK IT systems that provide live information about what goods are moving across from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

While a range of critical issues need to be resolved on the Protocol, this agreement provides a basis for further constructive discussions with the EU to come to a negotiated solution.

Commenting after the meeting, Mr Heaton-Harris said:

In conversations with NI political leaders today, I stressed that while an agreement on the Protocol is incredibly important, it remains my view that the devolved institutions must return as soon as possible.

This is particularly crucial in the face of current budgetary challenges and economic pressures. The people of Northern Ireland are best when governed by their locally elected representatives, who should deliver public services at the level the public need and deserve.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 5 January 2023.

Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Steve Baker MP, has announced that Belfast Distillery Company has secured an historic distribution agreement in South Korea.

The agreement, which will see almost 10,000 bottles of McConnell’s Irish Whisky shipped to South Korea, has been signed with Korean distributor Goldenblue and has been supported by Invest Northern Ireland’s new team in Seoul.

The announcement follows Minister Baker’s visit to Invest NI’s South Korean offices last month where he met with Invest NI South Korean team, learning how they have helped facilitate the deal as £8 million funding from the New Deal for Northern Ireland has helped Invest NI to expand its presence from Seoul to Paris.

Congratulating the company, Steve Baker MP said:

With its ambitious export plans, Belfast Distillery Company is now selling its products in over 30 countries, with its latest success showing how UK Government funding is helping Invest NI support Northern Ireland businesses on the world stage.

Invest NI’s new Korean presence has been instrumental in helping to secure this distribution agreement and I am delighted to see the hard work of the Invest NI team paying off for NI businesses.

New Deal funding is helping to promote some of the unbelievable talent and expertise that Northern Ireland has to offer and I hope the brilliant success of the Belfast Distillery team can help inspire others to take advantage of the opportunities offered by Invest NI’s new international locations.

This entry into another overseas market follows an announcement by Belfast Distillery Company in August of a multi-million investment to transform A Wing in Crumlin Road Gaol into a Whiskey Distillery and Visitor Experience, creating 49 new jobs in the heart of north Belfast.

Dessie Roche, Commercial Manager at Belfast Distillery Company said:

This Korean agreement marks a significant milestone for our business. Relationships and personal connections are a very strong part of the Korean culture and we utilised the in-market knowledge of Invest NI’s team in Seoul to build a relationship with Goldenblue which has helped us secure our first entry into Korea and ultimately bring our product to this significant new market. We very much look forward to building on this success in Korea and other international markets in the future.

Welcoming Belfast Distillery Company’s success, Steve Harper, Invest NI’s Executive Director of International Business said:

We are supporting Belfast Distillery Company to realise its global export plans and with a foothold in the Korean market, it is in a very good position for further growth. Its success showcases the scale of opportunities available to Northern Ireland businesses which is why we have chosen this as an area to expand our presence. Our in-market team in Seoul are ready and on-hand to work in partnership with Northern Ireland companies to help grow their exports and I would encourage local companies to get in touch and see how we can support.

For interested companies who want to explore Korea further, Invest NI is offering a ‘Spotlight on Korea’ tutorial on 8th February 2023 which will feature an expert panel of speakers who will offer insight and advice on key commercial opportunities in South Korea. For more information go to Spotlight on South Korea.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 30 December 2022.

The UK government today (Friday 30 December) sets out how around 500,000 households in Northern Ireland will receive support with their energy bills, with new vouchers starting to be issued from mid-January.

On Monday 19 December the UK government announced all households across Northern Ireland will receive a single £600 payment, consisting of £400 through the Energy Bills Support Scheme Northern Ireland (EBSS NI) and the £200 Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP).

Energy and Climate Minister Graham Stuart today confirmed that for customers on standard credit schemes without direct debits set up, and those on prepayment (keypad) meters, this will take the form of vouchers, with the most vulnerable customers getting priority access.

Standard credit customers with no direct debit arrangement and prepayment keypad customers will receive the voucher from their supplier which they can redeem at a Post Office, either by depositing it in a bank or credit union, or, where needed, as cash.

Customers with a direct debit arrangement with their energy supplier will receive the payment directly to their bank account and will not be provided with vouchers.

Vouchers will start to be issued from mid-January, with every eligible customer receiving them in time to feel the benefit this winter.

It comes on top of the Energy Price Guarantee which has so far saved each household in Northern Ireland using electricity around £65 and a further £75 for those using gas.

Energy and Climate Minister Graham Stuart said:

We are determined to ensure that whatever their circumstances, every customer in Northern Ireland gets the support they are entitled to.

Those without direct debits set up, and those on prepayment meters, will from January start to get these important vouchers which will provide vital help with their bills. Those already paying by direct debit will get the support straight into their bank accounts.

I would urge those customers getting vouchers to look out for them, and to use them swiftly so they can benefit, and see the impact on their bills as soon as possible.

Welcoming the detail, Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris said:

This is welcome news for many Northern Ireland households who do not pay for their electricity via direct debit and I hope provides further reassurance as we enter the new year.

I appreciate the hard work from officials and NI stakeholders to overcome the difficulties presented by NI’s energy market, and the absence of the NI Executive, to ensure NI households receive this much needed support this winter.

While today’s news should give peace of mind to customers in Northern Ireland, Mr Stuart also urged them to beware scams which the government is already aware are being attempted.

He warned customers that vouchers will come in the form of letters, will carry badges of the relevant electricity supplier and the UK government, and will contain a barcode. Customers will not be asked to go online or to provide any details.

The easiest way people can redeem their voucher will be paying the money directly into their bank account by taking their bank card to the Post Office and requesting to deposit. For those without a bank or credit union account, going to the Post Office and redeeming for cash will be an option – but that will be subject to the branch having the cash available.

Nick Read, Chief Executive at the Post Office, said:

Our 500 Post Offices across Northern Ireland are at the heart of their communities and Postmasters are preparing for the vital role they will play in getting people the £600 support they are entitled to from mid-January.

It’s vital that anyone who doesn’t pay for their energy usage by direct debit, or have a prepaid meter, looks out for their voucher in the post. Before coming to the Post Office, make sure to bring your letter, the correct proof of address and photo identification as this will speed things up in branch.

We know how difficult the rising cost of energy has been for many. In Great Britain, we are administering the Energy Bill Support Scheme on behalf of six energy providers and each week hundreds of thousands of people are coming into our branches to get cash support. Our ability to move cash around the whole country is a national infrastructure asset and we will be using our experience to deliver this payment to people in Northern Ireland.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 19 December 2022.

• Northern Ireland Office announces free Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement educational package based on official records and primary source materials.
• Classroom exercises and assembly packs for young people in NI and across the UK to be made available online in early 2023.
• Resources developed by The National Archives, working with teachers and other academic experts.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has today (Monday 19 December) announced the development of a new educational package telling the story of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and Northern Ireland’s transformation over the past quarter century. This is part of the Northern Ireland Office’s programme to mark the 25th anniversary of the landmark peace treaty.

The new education package will include lesson plans and activities for young people, and a school assembly pack suitable for all ages featuring an animated video. The optional resources will be made available to teachers, parents and youth workers across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK next year.

The Secretary of State visited The National Archives in London to meet the historians and educators who are developing the package in conjunction with teachers and other educational experts. The forthcoming free, optional resources will explain the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement to school children and young people in an age appropriate, factual manner.

The resources will allow them to reflect on Northern Ireland’s journey since its signing, including how Northern Ireland has moved from a period of conflict to the peace and vibrancy that it enjoys today.

As part of its work, The National Archives will create an advisory board made up of academics and teachers who have experience and understanding of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, and will be working with young people in Northern Ireland who will tell Northern Ireland’s story.

Speaking after viewing an original signed copy of the Agreement and other related official records at the The National Archives, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP said:

“Peace is precious, and it’s immensely important that young people in Northern Ireland and right across the UK learn about the significance of the internationally renowned agreement.

“Young people will write the next chapter in Northern Ireland’s story and these resources will enable them to engage with the anniversary and appreciate the gains made from the Agreement.

“The 25th anniversary of the Agreement offers a real opportunity to bring all communities together to look to the future, and consider how we can build on the remarkable progress Northern Ireland has made this past quarter century.

“I’d like to thank The National Archives, the advisory board, and young people who will be involved in this project for their dedication to telling Northern Ireland’s story over the past 25 years.”

Jeff James, Chief Executive and Keeper of The National Archives said:

“This education project offers a real opportunity to bring all communities together in partnership to look to the future. These resources will be created by people who have lived through the process for those young people who are the future of Northern Ireland. They will have a key role in supporting and maintaining peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland, and it’s right that they learn about the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement’s significance to their communities.

“Archives sit at the heart of our collective understanding: who we are, where we came from, and where we are going and this project illustrates the potential in archival collections to enrich our collective understanding.”

Education Minister Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP said:

“The 25th Anniversary of the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement is significant not just in the history of Northern Ireland, but for the whole of the UK.

“This new education package is a valuable optional resource, and it is absolutely right that young people right across the UK have the chance to learn more about the Agreement and the journey towards peace and stability that Northern Ireland has made since 1998.”

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 8 December 2022.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has today written to Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) informing them their pay will be reduced by 27.5% from 1 January 2023.

The press release issued by the Department for Northern Ireland on 8 December 2022.

Minister of State for Northern Ireland Steve Baker has today (8 December) visited Invest NI’s new offices in Seoul, South Korea to learn how government funding is boosting Northern Ireland’s profile in the Asia-Pacific region and helping to connect NI businesses to the world.

• Northern Ireland Minister of State Steve Baker visits South Korea to learn how New Deal funding is helping to connect NI to the world.
• £8 million funding from the New Deal for Northern Ireland has helped Invest NI expand NI’s presence from Seoul to Paris.
• New roles to identify and seek out opportunities for new international investment into NI and new trade opportunities for NI businesses.

Minister of State for Northern Ireland Steve Baker has today (8 December) visited Invest NI’s new offices in Seoul, South Korea to learn how government funding is boosting Northern Ireland’s profile in the Asia-Pacific region and helping to connect NI businesses to the world.

With £8 million funding from the New Deal for Northern Ireland, Invest NI is expanding Northern Ireland’s presence on the international stage as it supports NI businesses in new locations from Paris to Toronto, as well providing additional trade advisory support in their Belfast offices.

The new overseas roles are seeking out opportunities for potential new international investment into Northern Ireland from international companies and identifying new trade opportunities for NI companies to trade with businesses and suppliers across the globe.

The government funding has helped Invest NI establish a presence in one of the world’s largest economies for the first time, with two new staff based in South Korea. Co-located within the Foreign Commonwealth Development Offices (FCDO) in the British Embassy in Seoul, they will be focusing on developing FDI and Trade opportunities in key sectors such as Food & Drink, Aerospace and Financial & Professional Services. The South Korean expansion brings the total number of staff in the Asia – Pacific region to 23.

Commenting after visiting Invest NI’s offices, Minister of State for Northern Ireland Steve Baker said:

Invest NI is achieving important results for the Northern Ireland economy, and I’m delighted to see government funding helping to support Northern Ireland businesses and to meet some of those who are representing Northern Ireland’s interests on the international stage.

The New Deal for Northern Ireland demonstrates the government’s commitment to the people and businesses of Northern Ireland, with the funding helping to promote business interests and creating further opportunities for growth for Northern Ireland’s economy in new locations around the world.

Northern Ireland has a wealth of skills and expertise, in areas like software development, cyber security, FinTech and manufacturing, and I’m looking forward to learning more about the opportunities for Northern Ireland in South Korea, and the wider region, over the coming days.

With New Deal funding, Invest NI has also recruited additional staff in Europe, India, Middle East and Africa and other roles in Asia-Pacific. New roles are also planned for America, helping NI businesses to compete in the global market, driving growth and strengthening the Northern Ireland economy.

Commenting on recruitment, Invest NI Executive Director of International and Skills Steve Harper said:

Our new international staff will add to our already strong expertise and networks across the world and support the growth of our economy by attracting new FDI and assisting Northern Ireland companies to access new markets and grow their exports.

I am pleased to be in Seoul and to experience first-hand the work the team are already doing here. In the latest 12 month rolling period, NI goods exports to Asia Pacific increased by 10 per cent to £849million.

I am immensely proud of the world-class capabilities that Northern Ireland offers the world and our new team in South Korea will help us to build on this success in the coming years.

South Korea is one of the largest global economies and there is much that our countries have to offer one another. I look forward to a busy schedule of engagements throughout this visit programme, focused on building relations between Northern Ireland and South Korea.

Minister Baker met with the Invest NI team, businesses, stakeholders and diaspora during his visit, taking part in a series of meetings and events aimed at promoting Northern Ireland trade and investment as well as fostering bilateral relationships in South Korea and the wider region including exploring the strong ties between the cities Belfast and Sejong, partners in the Innovation Twinning programme.

David Bae, Country Manager for Invest Northern Ireland Seoul office said:

I am pleased to join Invest NI as it establishes a presence in South Korea for the first time.

We are already working with Northern Ireland companies and assisting them to research the Korean market, offering advice and guidance on business opportunities and sourcing potential sales partnerships which will help them grow their exports.

Part of my role will also be to attract new foreign direct investment to Northern Ireland and I very much look forward to supporting Invest NI to achieve this.

Invest NI are expected to complete recruitment in the remainder of their locations early in the new year as it looks to increase its in-market support for Northern Ireland businesses. This global expansion project will help Invest NI promote Northern Ireland’s economic interests abroad and support Northern Ireland businesses to strengthen the Northern Ireland economy.

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 7 December 2022.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris has confirmed that he will make a determination to cut Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) pay by 27.5%.

• The Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act has reached Royal Assent, extending the period for Executive formation and permitting the Secretary of State to take a number of actions, including on MLA pay.
• This legislation has been put in place to support Executive formation and to take limited but necessary steps to maintain the delivery of Northern Ireland’s public services.
• The Bill also allows for a further six week extension to the period for Executive formation, until 19 January 2023, if needed.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has received Parliamentary support to reduce the salaries of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).

Since February 2022, Northern Ireland’s devolved government has not been functioning fully and MLAs have subsequently been unable to perform all of the duties they were elected to do.

The Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act, which reached Royal Assent yesterday (Tuesday 6 December 2022), enables the Secretary of State to make this 27.5% reduction to MLA pay.

Through this Act, the Government has demonstrated its continued commitment to address the governance gap in Northern Ireland,  by enabling the Secretary of State to extend the time period for Executive formation. The Bill also allows for a further six week extension to the period for Executive formation, until 19 January 2023, if needed.

The legislation also considers the pressures put on senior officials in the civil service, and clarifies the limited decision-making powers provided to NI Civil Servants to ensure decisions are made where necessary.

The Secretary of State Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP said:

For over 200 days MLAs have been receiving full pay while failing to fulfil the full duties they were elected to do.  Reducing their pay until an Assembly is restored reflects the work they are currently carrying out.

This pay reduction is a necessary step when the people of Northern Ireland are tackling significant cost of living challenges and, after long-term mishandling of the NI public finances [by NI ministers] that has left a staggering £660m black hole, further protecting public finances.

I urge Northern Ireland’s parties to use the time that this Act allows to work together and return to their full roles in a devolved government so that they can better serve the people of Northern Ireland.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 2 December 2022.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has written to the Department of Health, to formally commission abortion services in Northern Ireland.

This instruction follows the UK Government’s announcement on 24 October that it would be commissioning abortion services in Northern Ireland, where the Secretary of State is under a statutory obligation to ensure that access to safe high-quality abortion and post-abortion care are available.

Currently, early medical abortion services (EMA), and cases where there is an immediate necessity to save the woman’s life or to prevent grave permanent injury, are available in all five Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland.

The formal commissioning and availability of funding will enable Health and Social Care Trusts to recruit and train staff in the coming months to support the development of sustainable services in Northern Ireland so that a full range of high quality services are available.

While women can access early medical abortions up to nine weeks and six days gestation across all Health and Social Care Trusts and up to 11 weeks and six days gestation at the Northern Trust, those who need advice or access to these services in Northern Ireland should contact the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, BPAS, by visiting their website or calling 0333 234 2184 for further support.

Where a woman needs abortion care that is not currently available in Northern Ireland, she will continue to be able to access UK Government funded NHS services in Great Britain. Bookings can be accessed by visiting the MSI Reproductive Choices website. Women must be resident in Northern Ireland and also registered with a GP.

Further guidance of available services can be found on the NI Direct website.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, said:

“The UK Government is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring women of Northern Ireland have access to safe, high-quality and local abortion services.

“As Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, my officials at the Northern Ireland Office and I will continue to work with the Department of Health and healthcare professionals to ensure a range of abortion services become readily available across all Health and Social Care Trusts in the coming months.”

The press release issued by the Department for Northern Ireland Office on 23 November 2022.

The UK Government has announced its intention to bring forward amendments to legislation seeking to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.