Tag: Northern Ireland Office

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 3 March 2025.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland met Independent Monitoring Panel following announcement of first monitoring period for UK Internal Market Guarantee.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Independent Monitoring Panel met today (3 March) to discuss the panel’s role in scrutinising the ‘UK Internal Market Guarantee’.

Both parties discussed the announcement made to Parliament by the Northern Ireland Secretary on 24 February 2025, confirming the first six month reporting period for the Internal Market Guarantee commenced on 1 January and will conclude on 30 June 2025. The Panel will report to the Secretary of State thereafter.

The Internal Market Guarantee relates to movements taking place under the UK Internal Market System and undertakes that more than 80% of all freight movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will be treated as ‘not at risk’ of moving onwards to the EU, and therefore moving within the UK internal market.

The members of the Panel expressed their commitment to the role and thanked those who have been involved in supporting the arrangements for it to scrutinise and report on goods movements data. The Panel confirmed to the Secretary of State that it will engage with business organisations representing affected traders and other stakeholders in support of the commitments in Safeguarding the Union Command Paper and commence that in the second half of the reporting period.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said:

“Today’s meeting demonstrates our continued commitment to protecting the UK internal market. I look forward to working with the panel and receiving their recommendations.”

Alastair Hamilton, Chair of the Independent Monitoring Panel said:

“Our desire is to ensure, within the parameters of the Windsor Framework, that our work will help to reduce and remove burdens for businesses and citizens and maximise the competitiveness and opportunities for Northern Ireland businesses.”

Background

A commitment to establish the Independent Monitoring Panel was made in the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper published in January 2024. The Panel’s role is to report to the Government on:

• the performance of the ‘UK Internal Market Guarantee’ as set out in the Command Paper;
• the activities of public authorities delivering the operational activity to give effect to the Windsor Framework; and
• how the Government’s wider ambitions on improving UK-EU trade could support smooth flows of trade within the UK internal market.

On 19 September 2024, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland appointed Alistair Hamilton CBE, Aidan Reilly and Dr Anna Jerzewska to the Panel.

Further information on the Panel’s work will be made available online in due course.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 3 March 2025.

Have your say on how the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) revenue certainty mechanism could be funded.

Passengers will enjoy greener plane journeys thanks to new support for the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry helping to tackle emissions, establish Britain as a clean energy superpower and allow the UK to go further and faster with expansion plans.

The government has today (3 March 2025) published a consultation setting out how it intends to support the green fuels sector and provide certainty for SAF producers, in the latest step in the government’s plan to support the aviation sector to kickstart economic growth.

The SAF industry is crucial for the future of aviation, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional jet fuels. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% compared to fossil fuels, SAF will play a vital role in delivering our clean energy mission as part of our Plan for Change and allow the UK to back airport expansion in line with climate commitments.

Backing investment in the low carbon sector also has huge potential for driving economic growth, as it’s expected to support up to 15,000 new jobs and deliver £5 billion to the UK economy by 2050.

As this is still a new and emerging industry, today’s proposals will tackle the current uncertainty in the sector by introducing an industry funded price guarantee – known as the revenue certainty mechanism (RCM) – to ensure a steady income flow for producers, even if the price of SAF fluctuates, helping to keep down costs for airlines and holidaymakers.

The proposals will help to reduce risk, give investors the confidence they need to invest in UK SAF plants and help the sector secure the supply it needs to bolster the SAF industry in the UK. The mechanism is also designed to limit costs and protect holidaymakers and working people against significant cost increases, with any rises expected to be in line with the usual variation of ticket prices.

The revenue certainty comes alongside the introduction of the SAF Mandate in January 2025, which requires a growing percentage of aviation fuel to come from sustainable sources to support the industry by securing demand and driving production in the UK. The mandate was one of the first in the world to be put into law, once again putting the UK at the forefront of decarbonising air travel.

The revenue certainty mechanism combined with the mandate will contribute to our net zero goals, enabling the aviation sector to continue to grow, including through airport expansion. This is also expected to drive significant investment into the SAF sector, creating green jobs, fostering innovation and driving growth as part of our Plan for Change.

Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, said:

We are committed to building the technology and fuel supply that will see greener flying become a reality in a way that protects consumers.

As part of our Plan for Change, these proposals will power up SAF production in the UK, support thousands of green jobs and bolster expansion plans.

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said:

UK airlines support the RCM as a means of driving production in SAF and ensuring the industry can comply with the mandate.

We look forward to working with government on its design with a particular focus on encouraging a competitive market and supporting FOAK plants. The goal must be the production of as much SAF at the cheapest possible price for consumers, to help the industry get to net zero, support growth in UK aviation whilst minimising the impact on passengers.

Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said:

SAF will play a key role in decarbonising aviation and a revenue certainty mechanism will not only ensure the UK can access enough supply but also that we can benefit from thousands of jobs and billions in investment.

Airports will work with government as part of the aviation sector to develop the right solution that will give the market the confidence it needs to bring investment forward, enabling a new UK industry producing homegrown SAF to emerge.

This, in turn, will allow the UK’s global air connectivity to expand sustainably within our net zero targets and play an increasing role in growing our economy, something the government is prioritising to drive up the prosperity of the whole country.

Gaynor Hartnell, Chief Executive of the Renewable Transport Fuel Association, said:

The RCM is essential if SAF is to be manufactured here in the UK rather than imported. Home produced SAF leads to more jobs and improved fuel security, plus it’s a better way of dealing with household and commercial waste than burning it for electricity generation.

The consultation will run from 3 March to 31 March, with the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (Revenue Support Mechanism) Bill being laid in Parliament in the spring. This support will build on the £63 million recently announced by the Chancellor in her growth speech to boost production of alternative fuels in the UK.

Last month, the Chancellor also invited Heathrow Airport to bring forward expansion plans for consideration by the summer. The government will then review the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) to ensure that any scheme is delivered in line with our legal, environmental and climate obligations.

In September last year, the department announced a refreshed and rejuvenated Jet Zero taskforce, which is serving as the driving force to transform how people fly – aligning with the government’s missions to make the UK a clean energy superpower and kickstart the economy.

In a further boost for sustainable aviation, the UK led the charge for new carbon limits on aircraft at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which will see all new aircraft types become 10% more efficient from 2031. This will help cut emissions and fuel costs, benefitting passengers as well as the planet. Regulations on aircraft noise will also be strengthened from 2029 to make planes quieter when taking off and landing.

The RCM will help deliver certainty in the green fuels market, supporting stable production of the SAF needed for aviation decarbonisation. The scheme is similar to that used in the UK’s world-leading renewables sector and could now boost domestic sustainable fuel production, driving investment in the UK SAF industry and boosting the economy through more green jobs.

This is a temporary measure, while SAF market prices are uncertain, to help scale early technologies while supporting a competitive market for SAF production. The government will monitor its impacts and can manage liabilities by capping the support to a pre-agreed volume of SAF, as well as agreeing the strike price within contracts.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 3 March 2025.

Belfast News Letter editions from 18th-20th centuries to be digitised as UK Government project promotes Northern Ireland’s cultural heritage.

Historic editions of the world’s oldest English language daily newspaper still in circulation are to be digitised by the UK Government, delivering on commitments made in the Safeguarding the Union command paper.

The News Letter, first published in September 1737, will this year mark its 288th anniversary as the oldest continuously published English language daily paper.  To strengthen understanding of Northern Ireland’s cultural traditions around the world, the Northern Ireland Office is working in partnership with the British Library and FindMyPast to expand the online collection of the historic publication in the British Newspaper Archive. Building on previous preservation and scanning initiatives, the digitisation will make these copies from three centuries of the historic Belfast title accessible online for the first time.

Announcing the start of the project, Secretary of State Hilary Benn visited Belfast’s Linen Hall Library to view historic copies of the News Letter. While historic copies of the publication are available in physical and microfilm format in libraries across Northern Ireland, this project will ensure a worldwide audience will be able to observe the newspaper’s unique insight into the political situation in Ireland from the late 18th century to the early 19th and 20th centuries.

Key historical events, such as the Irish Parliament winning legislative independence from Britain in 1782, the formation of the Orange Order in 1795, the 1798 rebellion of the United Irishmen, and the 1801 implementation of the Act of Union are covered by the newly digitised pages.

Originals of the News Letter are being provided in microfilm and newspaper format by the British Library, to be digitised by the online platform Findmypast, which has spent nearly 15 years working on a collaborative project to digitise the British Library’s vast newspaper collection.

The archive is then made available online through the British Newspaper Archive and on Findmypast, where it can be viewed freely at the British Library sites in London and Yorkshire, as well as at any library or by any private individual  around the world with a subscription.

Speaking after his visit to The Linen Hall Library, Secretary of State Hilary Benn said:

“The News Letter’s status as the longest-running continuously published English language daily newspaper in the world is an important part of Northern Ireland’s unique cultural heritage.

“As set out in the Safeguarding the Union command paper, the UK Government is committed to digitising these historical archives to promote the richness of Northern Ireland’s traditions around the world, including in nations with historic ties, such as the United States.

“This will also ensure that these precious historical records are preserved and accessible for generations to come.”

Sarah Bush, Managing Director of Findmypast and the British Newspaper Archive, said:

“As the trusted partner of many iconic British and Irish institutions, we work to digitise millions of records from our nation’s history and make them accessible to the public online.

“Alongside the British Library, we’re delighted to make this unique and culturally important title available to be searched and viewed on Findmypast and the British Newspaper Archive, offering a fascinating window into centuries of Northern Ireland’s history as it happened.

Beth Gaskell, Lead Curator of News and Moving Image at the British Library, said:

“The British Library cares for one of the world’s greatest news archives with over 60 million issues of British and overseas newspapers dating back to the 1600s, as well as ever expanding collections of radio, television, and web news.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Findmypast and the UK government to build on the existing collection of the News Letter available through the British Newspaper Archive.”

David Montgomery, Executive Chairman of the News Letter’s owners, National World plc, said:

“For four centuries The News Letter has been in the frontline of local and global news and opinion – it was already in its fortieth year when it covered the U.S. Declaration of Independence. In the 1990s it and other Northern Ireland papers helped pave the pathway to peace.

“Today The News Letter is often a solitary and essential promoter of its community’s rich heritage.  The digital archive is an eternal reminder of that crucial, continuing role of reliable independent journalism.”

The UK Government continues to make progress on the delivery of the commitments made in the Safeguarding the Union command paper, which formed the basis upon which the Northern Ireland Executive was restored last year.

The digitisation project will see Findmypast digitise pages of the Belfast News Letter using specialist microfilm scanners, which scan thousands of newspaper pages every day, in its state-of-the-art studio at the British Library’s facility in Boston Spa. This ensures the faithful reproduction of the newspaper as it once appeared, and enables online searching of the newspaper by name, keyword, date, or specific location.

The digitisation process will be completed this Spring. Once online, individuals will be able to access the editions free of charge by visiting libraries with a subscription to Findmypast, including the British Library’s sites in St Pancras, London and Boston Spa, Yorkshire. They will also be accessible to people around the world with a subscription to the Findmypast or British Newspaper Archive websites.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 28 February 2025.

Boost to internal market as Intertrade UK holds its first meeting today. The new body, chaired by Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee, was a key Safeguarding the Union commitment.

In a further move to strengthen and protect the UK internal market for businesses across the country, Intertrade UK will hold its first meeting today.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn has today announced the five panel members of Intertrade UK who will join the Chair of Intertrade UK, The Rt Hon. the Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee DBE.

The new body will advise on opportunities to promote and boost trade across the UK, utilising the wide-ranging expertise of its members drawn from industry and academia who are recognised leaders in their fields.

Intertrade UK will do this through promoting trade in goods and services across the UK and advising on overcoming identified barriers, considering how best businesses can take advantage of the full opportunities of the UK internal market, and conduct research and publish insights aimed at advancing domestic trade.

The first meeting of Intertrade UK will be held this morning in Enniskillen where members will formally adopt the Terms of Reference, discuss and agree a programme of work with key priorities to take forward over the next 18 months.

Speaking about today’s appointments, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, said:

The UK internal market is vital for businesses right across the country, and the Government is committed to taking all steps to protect and strengthen it.

East West trade is essential for UK growth, and part of the success of Intertrade UK will be to ensure that people can enjoy the full benefits of the UK internal market for both goods and services.

This was an important commitment in the Safeguarding the Union command paper, and with this experienced panel of members in place, I look forward to seeing Intertrade UK play an important role in promoting UK-wide trade and economic growth.

Chair of Intertrade UK, Baroness Arlene Foster, said:

The Safeguarding the Union Command paper had strengthening the UK internal market at its core. I am very pleased that we will have our first meeting of Intertrade UK today which was set up as a consequence of that Command paper so we can take this important work forward.

The panel members which have been appointed by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland have a wealth of experience on trade in and out of Northern Ireland and we will immediately get to work looking at challenges which have been identified and if and how these can be practically resolved.

The establishment of Intertrade UK represents another significant step in delivering on the commitments set out in the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper and a key asset in delivery of this Government’s Growth Mission.

Notes to editors

Intertrade UK full panel members:

• The Rt Hon. the Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee DBE – Chair of Intertrade UK
• Dr Esmond Birnie – Senior Economist, Ulster University
• Kirsty McManus – Northern Ireland Director, Institute of Directors
• Suzanne Wylie – Chief Executive Officer, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
• Roger Pollen – Head of Federation of Small Businesses Northern Ireland
• Angela McGowan – Director for Northern Ireland, Confederation of British Industry

The Terms of Reference will be formally adopted during the meeting.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 26 February 2025.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, and the Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD, met this evening [Wednesday 26 February] at Iveagh House, Dublin.

The discussions marked the first official in-person engagement between the two following the formation of the new Irish Government.

Speaking afterwards, the Secretary of State said:

It was a pleasure to meet with the Tánaiste this evening in Dublin, to congratulate him in person, and wish him well in his new role. The UK’s relationship with Ireland is of great importance and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Tánaiste, and the whole Irish Government, to further enhance the partnership between our two countries.

We had a warm and productive discussion, focusing on the strength of the bilateral relationship, our shared commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, and the importance of upholding political stability in Northern Ireland. I also outlined the importance of the Northern Ireland Executive’s work to reform and modernise public services, an issue that is so important to people, as I set out in my speech at Ulster University last month.

In addition, the Tánaiste and I discussed progress in discussions between our two governments in seeking an approach to addressing the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland that all communities can have confidence in.

We agreed on the importance of a continuing strong and close relationship between the UK and Irish Governments as we work together on a range of issues. This will be reaffirmed by the first UK-Ireland Summit next month between the Prime Minister and Taoiseach.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 18 December 2024.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Hilary Benn MP, has announced the appointment of David Johnstone as the new Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner.

Background

The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioners Office was established in September 2020 to provide a voice for veterans living in Northern Ireland to ensure fairness and safe access to services.

Terms of Appointment

The appointment will commence on 1 January 2025 until 31 August 2026.

• The position is a part-time appointment.
• The position attracts a fixed remuneration of £306 per day plus expenses, with an expectation of a time requirement of 110 days per year.
• The position is not pensionable.

Biography

David Johnstone formerly served as an Officer in the Royal Irish Regiment (Reserves) from 1988 to 2014, including operational deployment in Iraq. He currently holds the position of Chief Vision Officer at PropFundrs, a Property Developer Consultancy Firm and formerly Chief Executive Officer of an online property platform, a role that required him to be a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Approved Person. David also currently has a senior executive role in local football.

Regulation

This appointment is not regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Political Activity

All appointments are made on merit and with regards to the statutory requirements.  Political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories to be made public. David Johnstone has not declared any political activity.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 26 November 2024.

This follows a recent visit to Fort Hill Integrated College in Lisburn alongside Education Secretary.

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Fleur Anderson visited Fort Hill Integrated College in Lisburn alongside Education Secretary, the Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP.

The visit followed the recent Budget announcement of £730,000 in additional funding to raise awareness of integrated education and support schools in Northern Ireland as they work towards integrated status.

The Minister and Education Secretary also met with key stakeholders in the integrated education sector, including the Integrated Education Fund and Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education.

They are recipients of UKG funding to support their work with schools, parents and the wider public to raise awareness of the integrated sector and support schools through the process of transforming to integrated status.

Speaking after the visit, Minister Anderson said:

This was a fantastic visit and I was honoured to show the Education Secretary the positive impacts of integrated education in supporting reconciliation and promoting a culture of tolerance in society.

The UK Government is wholly committed to supporting more schools in Northern Ireland to become integrated schools as an essential aspect of the reconciliation process in Northern Ireland.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 26 September 2024.

The Northern Ireland Office minister Fleur Anderson has visited the Church of the Holy Name in Greenisland to show solidarity following a recent arson attack.

The Church provides an integral service to local people through a community shop and a range of activities that involve all ages as well as offering a place for parishioners to gather.

It was badly damaged in a fire on September 1.

Minister Anderson, who is Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the NIO, spoke with the Rev Dr Isobel Hawthorne-Steele, Minister of the Church about the attack and viewed the scale of the destruction.

She also heard about the experiences of the community in the aftermath of the attack.

Minister Anderson said: “The discussions I had with Rev Dr Hawthorne-Steele were very constructive.

“It was sad to see the scale of the destruction to a place that is a beacon of hope for many in the community.

“It was encouraging to hear the positive support shown by local churches in Greenisland, the understanding shown to the families of the young boys involved and the plans for the future rebuilding.

“I stand in solidarity with this entire community and I commend their resilience and forgiveness.

“I must also commend the quick response of the Northern Ireland Fire Service, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, for their valiant efforts in tackling the blaze.”

The Rev Dr Hawthorne-Steele said:

“Having met with the minister it was encouraging to learn that she is a fellow community practitioner with extensive experience in building community cohesion and promoting transformative grassroots initiatives.

“Having spent considerable time chatting and seeing first hand the devastation caused by the fire to our parish centre and church, the minister captured the full impact of the far-reaching consequences on our church and the wider community that this disaster has caused.

“As a church, we greatly appreciate the fact that the minister acknowledged the efforts we are making to grow resilience in partnership with multi-faceted groups and organisations that work within this local area as we rebuild and renew our faith by revealing God’s grace.”

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 19 September 2024.

The Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has today (19 September) announced members to the Independent Monitoring Panel and the UK Government’s commitment to Intertrade UK

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has today appointed Anna Jerzewska, Alastair Hamilton and Aidan Reilly as members of the new Windsor Framework Independent Monitoring Panel.

Speaking at the 25th Anniversary Summit of the Centre for Cross Border Studies in Dundalk, Co. Louth, he also underlined the new Government’s commitment to the establishment of Intertrade UK, which will be chaired by Baroness Foster.

These two bodies were proposed in the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper which facilitated the return of Stormont earlier this year.

The Secretary of State said: 

This Government is committed to implementing the Windsor Framework and taking all steps necessary to protect the UK internal market.

I look forward to working with Baroness Foster in her role as Chair of Intertrade UK, as it begins its work facilitating and boosting trade across the UK. Her knowledge and experience will be crucial in promoting the opportunities that are available to businesses, further strengthening Northern Ireland’s place in the UK internal market, and helping deliver on this Government’s mission to drive economic growth.

The Independent Monitoring Panel will play a key role in monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the Windsor Framework. I am pleased that three highly respected experts have agreed to join the panel, and welcome them to their roles.

Baroness Arlene Foster, Chair of Intertrade UK said: 

I want to thank the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for confirming my new role as Chair of Intertrade UK.

I am very much looking forward to taking up the role in order to promote trade within the UK internal market – something I am passionate about.

I also look forward to working with the members of the Independent Monitoring Panel in providing advice and facilitation to help businesses expand their activities across the UK and to strengthen these important economic links.

Intertrade UK is set to launch as a new body which is dedicated to enhancing trade across the UK. Its mission is to offer guidance and support to businesses, helping them expand their reach within the UK internal market and serve consumers in all parts of the UK. It will also conduct research and publish insights aimed at advancing domestic trade and showcasing the full potential of the UK’s  market to businesses and traders.

The Independent Monitoring Panel will monitor and report on the implementation of the Windsor Framework so that Government and other authorities are held to account.

Note to editors: 

Biographies for the new Windsor Framework Independent Monitoring Panel, are as follows:

Aidan Reilly is a retired former Director of Customs Policy and Strategy at HMRC, with 17 years experience in the Department in a variety of roles.

Dr Anna Jerzewska is a Customs and international trade advisor and Founder and Director at Trade and Borders. She is a former HMRC Official and Customs Specialist at KPMG, EY and PwC, and Associate Fellow of the UK Trade Policy Observatory.

Alastair Hamilton CBE is a non-executive director at Danske Bank since May 2020, former CEO of Invest Northern Ireland (2009 – 2019), and Chief Economic Adviser to the First Minister of Northern Ireland (2008 – 2009).

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 18 September 2024.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland today signed the financial deal for Derry-Londonderry and Strabane City region, alongside Northern Ireland’s Executive Ministers.

Speaking after the official signing of Derry-Londonderry and Strabane City Region City Deal, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said:

I am delighted that the Derry-Londonderry and Strabane City Region City Deal is proceeding as planned, and proud to sign the deal on behalf of the UK Government.

It’s going to provide support to so many important initiatives which will positively impact the lives of local people, including the regeneration of the waterfront in Derry, and of Strabane town centre.

The digital and innovation projects which the UK Government is investing in through this deal will deliver a fantastic economic boost and opportunities for residents of the entire North West region.

Exciting projects such as the £39 million new combined Cognitive Analytics and Digital Robotics Centre (CADRC), will deliver cutting-edge research and innovation.

A new School of Medicine/ Personalised Medicine Centre will develop research capabilities at Ulster University’s Magee Campus, complemented by educational facilities at Altnagelvin Hospital campus.

I congratulate everyone involved for their hard work and dedication over many years to reach this important milestone. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have on local people and businesses.

Notes to editors:

For the full Derry-Londonderry City and Strabane press release click here.