Written questions by Jogee.

Whether he has had recent discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on the safety of women and girls in Northern Ireland.

The Secretary of State and I regularly meet with Northern Ireland Executive Ministers to discuss a range of priority issues in Northern Ireland, this has included discussions on working together to tackle violence against women and girls. I welcome the Executive Office’s second Delivery Plan to implement the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework 2024-2031 following its launch last month. I have also raised this shameful issue at last month’s British Irish Intergovernmental Conference along with the Irish Government. We can all learn from approaches across the UK and Ireland and beyond to ensure women and girls are safe and feel safe wherever they are in this country.

What most recent assessment he has made of the security situation in Northern Ireland.

I refer the Honourable Member to my answer to the Urgent Question on 27 April about the recent attacks on two police stations. Those responsible for these shameless and cowardly attempts to kill and injure must be brought to justice and I urge anyone with information to come forward. The Northern Ireland Related Terrorism (NIRT) threat level remains SUBSTANTIAL which means an attack is likely. The PSNI and UK security agencies continually assess the threat, risk and harm posed by paramilitary, terrorist and organised crime groups to inform the most appropriate operational response. The attempted attacks in recent weeks will be considered as part of that ongoing assessment.

What engagement he has had with the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland following the events that took place on Saturday 25th April 2026.

I pay tribute to the extraordinary efforts of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, led by Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, and our security partners in countering the threat from terrorism in Northern Ireland. My officials were in contact with the PSNI in the immediate aftermath of the despicable attack claimed by the New IRA, on Dunmurry Police Station. I regularly meet the Chief Constable and his senior officers to discuss a range of issues and will continue to do so. I met senior PSNI officers on 28 April 2026 to be briefed on the attacks.

What steps he is taking to support the Northern Ireland Executive with Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Northern Ireland.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the Communities Minister, on a range of priorities. Northern Ireland Office officials have engaged directly with Comhaltas on the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast this summer. The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will be a great opportunity for Northern Ireland. As one of only three UK cities with UNESCO City of Music status, I am delighted that Belfast will host the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture. This event will attract global visitors, providing a chance for the city to showcase its rich and diverse cultural offering. The decision by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to bring the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann back to Belfast in 2027 is also very welcome news.

Whether he has had discussions with the Minister for Communities in the Northern Ireland Executive on Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann being held in Belfast.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the Communities Minister, on a range of priorities. Northern Ireland Office officials have engaged directly with Comhaltas on the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast this summer. The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will be a great opportunity for Northern Ireland. As one of only three UK cities with UNESCO City of Music status, I am delighted that Belfast will host the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture. This event will attract global visitors, providing a chance for the city to showcase its rich and diverse cultural offering. The decision by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to bring the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann back to Belfast in 2027 is also very welcome news.

What discussions he has had with cabinet colleagues about the potential impact on the a) effectiveness and b) future of the Common Travel Area between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland of the insistence of airlines that passengers travelling between both countries now require valid passports.

The Common Travel Area is a long-standing successful arrangement. In the UK-Ireland 2030 Joint Statement, the Prime Minister and Taoiseach committed to working together to protect the integrity and security of the Common Travel Area. It is the case that many air and sea carriers require some form of identification in order to use their services and some carriers regard a passport as the only valid form of identification.

What recent discussions he has had with the First Minister of Northern Ireland on the trade priorities of the Northern Ireland Executive.

I meet regularly with the First Minister and deputy First Minister to discuss a range of issues, including trade. I also chaired the East-West Council on 22 January 2026, attended by both the First Minister and deputy First Minister, which included a discussion of the £16.6 million provided to Northern Ireland via the Internal Market Package, to support East-West trade; and, an update on the work of Intertrade UK and the £2.25 million funding it received in the budget.

What recent engagement he has had with businesses in Co Armagh.

I have met with Wilson’s Country in Portadown.

What recent discussions he has had with the First Minister of Northern Ireland on the environmental priorities of the Northern Ireland Executive.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the First Minister and deputy First Minister, on a wide range of priorities. The environment is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland and the responsibility of the Executive’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

What recent engagement he has had with businesses in Co Down.

I have met with Eakin Healthcare in Comber, The Exact Group in Newry and Lakeland Dairies in Newtownards.

What recent engagement he has had with businesses in Derry/Londonderry.

I have met with Alchemy Technology Services, Derry-Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and Foyle Port.

What recent engagement he has had with the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland about the environmental priorities of the Northern Ireland Executive.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the First Minister and deputy First Minister, on a wide range of priorities. The environment is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland and the responsibility of the Executive’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

What recent discussions he has had with the First Minister of Northern Ireland on the health priorities of the Northern Ireland Executive.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the First Minister and deputy First Minister, on a wide range of priorities.While health is a devolved matter, the Government is committed to supporting the Executive to deliver sustainable, high-quality, and accessible public services for the people of Northern Ireland. I welcome the progress made under the Health Minister's Reset Plan, which has already produced some tangible results, including significant reductions in waiting lists and the successful rollout of the Encompass digital record system.

What recent discussions he has had with the Minister of Health for Northern Ireland on the work of the NHS in Northern Ireland.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the First Minister and deputy First Minister, on a wide range of priorities.While health is a devolved matter, the Government is committed to supporting the Executive to deliver sustainable, high-quality, and accessible public services for the people of Northern Ireland. I welcome the progress made under the Health Minister's Reset Plan, which has already produced some tangible results, including significant reductions in waiting lists and the successful rollout of the Encompass digital record system.

What recent engagement he has had with the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland about the transport priorities of the Northern Ireland Executive.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the First Minister and deputy First Minister, on a wide range of priorities. Transport is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland and the responsibility of the Executive’s Infrastructure Minister.

What recent discussions he has had with the board of InterTrade UK.

I met with the Chair of Intertrade UK, Baroness Foster, last month at the East-West Council to hear an update on the Board’s work to date and its future plans. I have also engaged directly with Intertrade UK on the advice they have submitted to me on issues affecting UK internal market trade. This has included the Windsor Framework, veterinary medicines, vehicle type approvals and customs arrangements. I look forward to engaging with the Board further as they continue to implement their work programme.

What recent engagement he has had with businesses in Country Antrim.

I have met with Deloitte, Belfast Harbour, Leckey, Camlin, as well as PRM Group, Thales, Studio Ulster, and Stena Line. Additionally, I have regular engagement with Institute of Directors NI, Federation of Small Businesses NI, NI Chamber, Belfast Chamber and NIBBWG on matters relating to business across Northern Ireland.

What recent engagement he has had with the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland about the trade priorities of the Northern Ireland Executive.

I meet regularly with the First Minister and deputy First Minister to discuss a range of issues, including trade. I also chaired the East-West Council on 22 January 2026, attended by both the First Minister and deputy First Minister, which included a discussion of the £16.6 million provided to Northern Ireland via the Internal Market Package, to support East-West trade; and, an update on the work of Intertrade UK and the £2.25 million funding it received in the budget.

What recent engagement he has had with businesses in Co Tyrone.

Minister Patrick has met with Mallaghan Engineering in Dungannon to discuss their apprenticeship programme.

What recent discussions he has had with the First Minister of Northern Ireland on the transport priorities of the Northern Ireland Executive.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the First Minister and deputy First Minister, on a wide range of priorities. Transport is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland and the responsibility of the Executive’s Infrastructure Minister.