Phillip Brett
North Belfast · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Paula has been a diligent Chair who has championed the interests of victims and survivors. I personally thank her for her work on the Bill. I pay tribute to Committee members, who also dedicated their time to the Bill, and to our Committee staff.”
“At the outset, I pay tribute to the Member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone for her heartfelt and valuable contribution. As you rightly said, Mr Deputy Speaker, her family will be very proud of the contribution that she has just made. <BR /> <BR />Today marks a truly significant moment.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am therefore delighted to report to the House that a U-turn has been secured. This year, the Twelfth has been promoted through Discover Northern Ireland's social media channels.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Bill will establish a statutory public inquiry alongside a redress scheme, both of which are important. Their establishment recognises that there is a responsibility not only to uncover truth but to acknowledge the profound harm that was caused.”
“I warmly welcome the progress that has been achieved in the promotion of the Twelfth of July and our wider Orange and Ulster-Scots traditions by Tourism Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />Today's debate is not about rewriting history but about confronting history honestly. It is about recognising that vulnerable women and children were failed by institutions, by society and by the state.”
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“As Chair of the Economy Committee, I thank the Minister for meeting me and the Deputy Chair at 10.30 am to give us somewhat advanced notice of his statement. Clearly, this is a significant policy announcement by the Minister. The Committee will take some time to look at the details of what is included. <BR /> <BR />In the Minister's statement, he was clear that he wants everyone to get behind his approach in the spirit of collaboration. In that regard, I encourage the Minister to bring it to the Executive so that all parties can work together on the important issue of regional balance. <BR /> <BR />The Belfast metropolitan area plan (BMAP) is the issue on which the Minister will judge regional balance.”
“The Minister will be aware of the traffic chaos in our city centre at the weekend and of the need for major roadworks to take place, but, given the budget constraints that he has outlined, will his Department commit to delivering smaller-scale projects such as the pedestrianisation of Hill Street in my constituency, which has also been paused? That would have little financial requirement of his Department but would have a big impact in our capital city.”
“Nuala, Carál, Gerry, Brian and I will continue in that spirit of cooperation to try to ensure that no person in North Belfast experiences what they have in the past and that, together, we can ensure that North Belfast continues to be the best place to live, work, invest and raise a family.”
“I think of the Building Successful Communities programme that operates in parts of our constituency. It builds much-needed homes to tackle poverty. It invests in education, which is key to ensuring that our young people are lifted up. It also invests in the fabric of our community organisations, which, day and daily, provide the service that all our constituents need. I think of the Urban Villages programme, which my colleague Brian Kingston is heavily involved in. It operates in the Old Park district electoral area across Ballysillan and Ardoyne. It is sponsored by the Executive Office but, day and daily, delivers programmes and community assets that are used to tackle the issues that are rife in our community. <BR /> <BR />It is important to recognise that progress has been made but that there is much more to do.”
“We come together to discuss the collective ambitions and issues faced by those whom we are honoured to represent. Be they from Tiger's Bay, the New Lodge, Rathcoole, Glengormley or anywhere in between, the issues that they face are exactly the same. <BR /> <BR />With your indulgence, Mr Deputy Speaker, I will highlight a number of things. The community and voluntary sector in North Belfast is made up of the best people who freely give their time daily to try to improve the lives of all those who call North Belfast home. I must pay tribute to Ministers and political parties of all hues who have put together many strategies and initiatives across North Belfast that are making a lasting impact. I think of the neighbourhood renewal partnerships that continue to deliver daily for those most in need.”
“I apologise for not being here for the entirety of the debate: I had some Committee commitments that I could not miss. <BR /> <BR />North Belfast usually gets a reputation as a place where the political representatives disagree, have different ideals and do not share a common goal. Although I missed much of the important contributions made by the Members opposite and other Members, I guarantee that they raised the exact same issues that I plan to raise. Those are the issues that our communities and constituency offices deal with daily. The five Members elected by the people of North Belfast work together daily on tackling poverty. The North Belfast community groups, which other Members may have mentioned, regularly bring elected representatives from the parties together to tackle poverty.”
“<BR /> <BR />We will work with the Health Minister to get fit-for-purpose proposals, but we will not engage in an exercise that wastes vital time and vital public resources and undermines public confidence in this place. I urge the Health Minister to withdraw the consultation without delay.”
“<BR /> <BR />The intervention last week by the Health Minister into the consultation that his Department is carrying out only added further to the confusion and concern on the issue. As my party colleague Diane Dodds made clear yesterday, it is the Democratic Unionist Party's view that the current consultation is damaged beyond repair. We on these Benches do not underestimate the difficulty and embarrassment that it would cause to the Department to withdraw that consultation, but in the long-term interest of ensuring legislation that is fit for purpose and commands the support of the House and the Executive, we believe that that is the right step to take.”
“The public health Bill consultation that the Department of Health is carrying out has, rightly, caused concern and confusion across our community. During the COVID pandemic, the public listened to politicians in the House and in other parts of the United Kingdom demand standards of them that those politicians did not believe applied to them. The public had Ministers tell them how they should behave, but those Ministers did not behave in the manner in which they tried to dictate to others. Now the public are, rightly, sceptical of any attempt to upset that delicate balance between individual liberty and the power of government. Central to any democratic society is the power of individual choice, and any attempt to infringe upon that basic tenet will be, rightly, resisted.”
“Can the Minister assure the House that he will continue to focus on building not only the European market but the UK internal market, which continues to be the biggest investment market for companies and exports from Northern Ireland?”
“I welcome the Minister back from his trade visit and hope that those representing North Belfast did not cause him too much difficulty while he was out there. <BR /> <BR />Data published last week shows that manufacturing output is down by 1·1% and that dual market access has, to date, not brought any benefit to the Northern Ireland economy. The service sector, which shows 33% growth, is, of course, not covered by the protocol.”
“I congratulate the Member for defending his ministerial colleagues. He does a good job of it. On the Department of Justice, which, he says, is staying within its budget, will he say how the £14 million commitment to build a new prison canteen sits with the great words that he has articulated about Minister Long managing her budget?”
“I am delighted that, just two months ago, that new £1 million boxing club — named, rightly, after Billy McKee — was opened by his wife. It will provide opportunities to the next generation of boxers from all classes, creeds and backgrounds to ensure that they can continue to have the best outcomes imaginable in life. I pay tribute to Sam Cochrane, Mr Craig Frampton and Cooper McClure for working with our party to make that dream a reality. Let it be Billy's epitaph in this fiftieth year that any boy or girl anywhere in Belfast can achieve their dreams, representing their country at the highest level.”
“It was with deep sadness that, in February 2021, Billy passed away before he saw his dream of a new fit-for-purpose boxing club for the people of North Belfast delivered.”
“I am delighted to congratulate Midland Boxing Club in my constituency, which marked the 50th anniversary of its operation this year. Midland Boxing Club will be known to many right across Belfast and Northern Ireland. It was formed by the legendary Billy McKee MBE, 50 years ago. <BR /> <BR />Billy formed the club with no money and no premises. His wife and family did not particularly welcome the establishment of the club at the time, but he devoted over 40 years to improving the lives and outcomes of people right across North Belfast. Billy is well known for producing some of the greatest boxers that Northern Ireland has ever seen. Carl Frampton and Paddy Barnes both credit their career and achievements to Billy's work. <BR /> <BR />For many years, Billy rightly campaigned for a new boxing club in the heart of Tiger's Bay.”
“I agree with the Minister. I chaired our local planning committee for five years, and I totally accept that the proposers and those who object to the process both need to have their space. Is it the Minister's view that applicants have the right to have their application decided upon within the statutory time frames and that councils across the Province are failing to do that? It should be done in a timely manner that allows all sides to have their say, but timing is key. I am not trying to deny anyone their say on an application.”
“<BR /> <BR />As I said, the motion is important, as it focuses on issues that all Members should support, but our amendment ensures that those measures will come through the right channels, that the AERA Minister will bring his proposals to the Executive and that the Assembly will continue to work together to grow our economy, ensure that a green new deal is just and ensure that we continue to achieve great things on the world stage.”
“Many of the applications that are coming forward for decision would improve our environment and emissions, but as we continue to delay making those decisions, our just transition continues to be delayed. That is notable. In fairness to the Minister, he consulted on a revised regional strategic planning policy on that just last year. I am sure that, when he is summing up, he will update the House on where that consultation sits and on further proposals that he may have.”
“If we are to take forward Mr Honeyford's warm words about moving forward together, he and his colleagues will, hopefully, support the amendment. We should use this not as an opportunity to divide the House, as Mr Honeyford articulated, but as something behind which we can all unite, and I hope that proposals come forward from the Minister to the Executive that all colleagues can support, even our friends and colleagues in the official Opposition. <BR /> <BR />I turn now to planning reform. As I said, the House has discussed that on numerous occasions, and I know that Minister O'Dowd has engaged on it with the industry before and since taking office. As has been articulated, the precautionary way and the very long time that we take to process planning applications in many sectors contributes further to the delay in decarbonisation.”
“Given the fact that the Minister has not brought his proposals to the Executive or the AERA Committee, at this stage it would be unwise for the House to endorse those proposals or plans, as we have not yet seen them. <BR /> <BR />There needs to be political consensus on the issue and on how we move forward, as Mr Honeyford said, not least given the hugely constrained public finances and the cost-of-living pressures that are on households and businesses right across Northern Ireland. For the same reasons, we do not think that it is prudent for the motion to include a reference to the "wider green new deal". We recognise that that is established Alliance policy — it is entitled to that position — but it goes far beyond what was agreed in the draft Programme for Government.”
“<BR /> <BR />As I said, the plans to use the £150 million enhanced investment zone in Northern Ireland is to be welcomed, but the House is very keen to see those proposals as soon as possible. I say politely to the proposer of the motion that it is unclear why they have chosen to table the motion without the AERA Minister first presenting his own proposals on green growth to the Executive for consideration. Mr Honeyford spoke articulately about how we need consensus in order to work together on those issues, so the Minister's not bringing his proposals forward, first of all, slightly flies in the face of Mr Honeyford's comments. Our amendment seeks to build on and helpfully critique the Alliance proposals, which are useful, but our amendment strengthens what has been brought forward.”
“I know that Minister Murphy is engaged on that on his current trade mission to Chicago, and the Committee 100% supports him in that. <BR /> <BR />We stood on a manifesto of trying to double Northern Ireland's low-carbon and renewable energy economy to having more than a £2 billion turnover whilst recognising that the transition to net zero needs to be fair for everyone. A greener, more sustainable economy can create jobs, increase prosperity and lead to stronger and healthier communities, all while protecting our natural environment. That builds on the work that Minister Dodds and Minister Lyons did in their 10X vision and that Minister Murphy continues to work on in his economic vision. That is why the previous AERA Minister brought forward his draft green growth strategy — this is what was at the heart of what he was proposing.”
“All parties will work together to ensure that all sections of our society in Northern Ireland benefit from that fund. We look forward to the Minister's bringing forward the proposals for consideration by the Committee and the House. <BR /> <BR />The Democratic Unionist Party is committed to ensuring that the Executive seize the opportunity that is associated with green growth. Across Northern Ireland, we are, proudly, world leaders in business and in how we manufacture low-emission vehicles and infrastructure and produce energy-efficient products and lighting, as well as energy-monitoring systems and renewables, to name but a few. We should continue to shout about and advocate that not just locally but on the international stage.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />I thank the motion's sponsors for bringing it to the Assembly. It is an important topic. Since its restoration, the Assembly has, rightly, focused on planning reform. That is something that the Minister worked on considerably before his appointment to office, and it is something that he will continue to work on because it requires urgent attention. However, the focus on ensuring a just and achievable transition is also vital, so I thank David and the other sponsors of the motion. <BR /> <BR />I have discussed green growth with the proposer of the motion on numerous occasions, along with colleagues on the Economy Committee. We are particularly focused on the £150 million investment zone that the Minister continues to progress.”
“I thank the Minister for an update on his ongoing work on the issue. Does he agree that vital to tackling underachievement is the leadership role that our teachers and principals play in our schools — I know that the Minister will meet the north Belfast principals' forum, next week, to discuss the issues that it faces — as is the vital work carried out by our non-teaching staff? That is why it was vital that the Minister was able to secure a proper pay settlement for our non-teaching staff.”
“He should be an inspiration to any boy or girl anywhere in Northern Ireland and show that you can proudly wear the shirt of your country and that the whole of Northern Ireland will always be behind you.”
“For me, that is what the Northern Ireland football team is all about. It brings people from all backgrounds and all traditions together under the unity of that badge, playing for and hoping to get the best result for our country. <BR /> <BR />Jonathan never forgot his working-class roots in Newtownabbey. He never forgot those who helped him in his teenage years, and the fans will never forget him. Jonathan showed that, regardless of what part of Northern Ireland you come from — he came from one of the most socio-economically challenged constituencies in Northern Ireland and one of the most difficult wards — you can proudly represent your country.”
“As a proud son of north Belfast, a Manchester United fan and a Northern Ireland fan, it gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to our retiring captain, Jonny Evans. Unfortunately for me, that is where the comparisons between me and Mr Evans end. Jonny played for Northern Ireland on 107 occasions, captaining the team since the retirement of Steven Davis. Jonathan made his debut for Northern Ireland in 2006 against Spain, as that famous song goes — Mr Speaker, you will know the result of that match — when Northern Ireland claimed an historic 3-2 victory. <BR /> <BR />Despite Jonathan winning the Champions League and Premier League with Manchester United, on his retirement, he said that his proudest achievement in football was wearing the green shirt of Northern Ireland and representing his country.”
“Building on the point that he made, I will say that the Department for the Economy's own assessment, published earlier this year, made clear that the appeal of Northern Ireland's unique market access may be limited by the extent to which traders are able to access the UK internal market. <BR /> <BR />It is therefore a problem that all Members face. Yes, we can rehash the old political debates, but let us all work together to continue the progress that has been achieved and to get an outcome that works for everyone in Northern Ireland.”
“As the Member for South Antrim articulated eloquently, a number of issues continue to impact on the sector, so it is vital that we continue to make progress on them. In the short term, it is vital that the Government, the Trader Support Service (TSS) and industry work collaboratively to identify problems, provide clarity and promote the free circulation of goods within our United Kingdom. As Mr Buckley has already outlined, the Road Haulage Association has been clear that, in the past two years, there has been a 30% drop in trade between GB and Northern Ireland.”
“Indeed, we can criticise our fellow unionists and call them sell-outs, despite having no proposals or achievements of our own. I think that, instead, all the people of Northern Ireland want to see Members in this place work together to get the resolutions that matter to that vital industry and to our economy. <BR /> <BR />The facts before all Members are very clear. In 2022, Northern Ireland businesses' purchases from the rest of the United Kingdom were worth £11 billion. That was over double the value of purchases from anywhere else, and, indeed, from all other EU markets combined. The UK is by far our biggest market for external sales. Whether people choose to believe that, it is there in black and white. It is vital that we try to continue to find solutions to the issues that the sector faces.”
“I pay tribute to the Members who tabled today's important and timely motion for debate. This is my first opportunity to do so, so I also pay tribute to Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard on his recent elevation to the House of Lords. Mr Elliott will continue to be a strong advocate for the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone, and for the people of Northern Ireland, here and in the House of Lords. <BR /> <BR />The debate gives us all a unique opportunity to come together to send a strong and clear message that we recognise and understand our vital haulage sector's concerns and will all work together to try to find a resolution to outstanding issues. We can, if Members wish, try to rehash and re-debate the Brexit years. We can rehash and re-debate the rigorous implementation years.”
“I pay tribute to all parties in the House that worked together to try to ensure that the deals were reinstated. I know that, moving forward, all will continue to work together to ensure that the other two are unpaused. <BR /> <BR />Speaking of paused funding, the Finance Minister may be aware that, as part of the announcement, the Labour Government have also paused £2·5 million under the Levelling Up Fund for Crusaders Football Club, in my North Belfast constituency, to deliver a skills centre that would have tackled educational underachievement in one of the most socially deprived wards in Northern Ireland. Will the Minister commit to raising that important issue with the Secretary of State to get the funding back on track in order to deliver that much-needed project?”
“It was not a DUP Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister who was forced before the then Committee for trying to bury a report that related to safety concerns. It was not the DUP branch on the Andersonstown Road that brought the issue to the High Court. Some of those shouting loudest about why Casement Park has not been built would do better to look at their own backyard.”
“There are serious questions for the IFA as to why there was no plan B. There are serious questions for the IFA as to why we will, hopefully, cheer on the Northern Ireland football team in Dublin, Edinburgh, Wales and in a final in London but not in Belfast. <BR /> <BR />My party has been clear on Casement Park. It was a DUP Minister who announced a funding package in 2011 that fairly and equitably treated all three sporting codes in Northern Ireland. We stand over the commitment that we made then. We do not renege on that, and we do not expect others to renege on that and try to promote or lift one sporting organisation above another. In this place, we move forward together when everyone is treated fairly and equitably. <BR /> <BR />I will point out the reason that Casement Park has not been built. The fault does not lie on these Benches.”
“There are two clear issues before the House this afternoon: the fact that Northern Ireland will not host any of the games in the 2028 tournament and the redevelopment of Casement Park. They are distinct and separate issues, and I will deal with both. <BR /> <BR />First, for a proud supporter of our national football team, it should have been the stuff of dreams for the Northern Ireland national team to play games in the European Championships in Belfast. As I made clear at the time publicly and privately to the IFA, the way to achieve that was to deliver a football tournament at a football stadium. Instead, the IFA decided to embark on the process that it did, and we have ended up in a situation where not a single game — not a single game — across these islands will be played in Belfast.”
“The Committee felt that those measures would help to tackle economic inactivity and provide other stimuli for the economy. <BR /> <BR />The Committee has continued to seek clarity on AME, the revised RHI tariffs and, indeed, the future of the RHI scheme. The Executive's recent statement on their legislative priorities referred to an RHI Bill in the current year. In my capacity as a member of the Finance Committee, it seems to me that continued correspondence between the Department for the Economy and the Department of Finance on the business case is increasing at pace. Perhaps the Minister, when summing up, can say whether the Department of Finance is now satisfied that the Department for the Economy has provided all the information that is required. <BR /> <BR />That brings to an end my remarks on behalf of the Committee.”
“Perhaps the Minister, in her remarks at the end of the debate, will outline how she believes that those pressures will be met as we move forward. <BR /> <BR />On improved public-sector efficiency, the Committee looks forward to the new model for the delivery of further education contributing successfully to the 10X Economy and 10X skills strategy. Recently, the Committee was informed of the Economy Department's submissions regarding public-sector transformation. We welcome them, particularly those that relate to public-sector apprenticeships. The Department was unable to submit one proposal this time round but hopes that it will be able to make its way to the Department of Finance and the public-sector transformation board at the next stage.”
“The Committee has also taken evidence on the need for long-term clarity on the Shared Prosperity Fund, which is being used to support labour market partnership interventions, which continue to successfully challenge the unusually high level of economic inactivity across parts of our economy. The Committee hopes that funding clarification from His Majesty's Government following the general election will ensure that those interventions will continue in the next financial year. <BR /> <BR />The House has seen some very welcome public-sector pay settlements, not least for further education lecturers. Although those were long overdue and well deserved, public-sector salary pressures may well present a significant challenge to the Department for the Economy.”
“There was £11·8 million of unallocated funds in the Economy budget, but the Minister has today provided an outline of how he intends to allocate that funding in this financial year. Again, I particularly welcome the restoration of the SKILL UP initiative, which my colleagues previously introduced. I also welcome, as I did earlier, the 50 additional places that the Minister said that he will fund at Queen's University for under-represented communities. Report after report has shown that, at Queen's University, those most under-represented are those from working-class Protestant communities, particularly North Belfast, the constituency that I represent. I look forward to working with Queen's to ensure that those who get those places are deserving of them.”
“I can advise the House that officials from the Department for the Economy, alongside the Minister, have provided written and oral evidence to the Committee on the 2024-25 Budget. Officials have also provided us with follow-up answers, allowing the Committee to track the changes in spending from 2023-24 to the present financial year, and we are grateful to the officials and the Minister for their willingness to engage on that. <BR /> <BR />The Committee was relieved to note that the opening positions in the Budget for the arm's-length bodies are similar to those of the previous year. Members of the Committee were also pleased to note that funding for apprenticeships and skills has been maintained by the Department.”
“I thank the Minister for providing an update to the House and the leader of the Opposition for tabling the question. During a previous item of business, the Member for East Antrim placed much importance on an editorial in the 'News Letter' supporting a stance that he has taken. That paper has described any attempt to appeal the judgement as "wrong-headed". Does the Minister agree with that editorial that any appeal would be wrong-headed? Can she confirm that any appeal would require the approval of the Executive as a whole and that it would not be possible for the Minister to act alone?”
“As Chair of the Committee, I recommend that all Members support the Minister in his endeavours here this afternoon.”
“Accordingly, it is understood that a further rule will be needed in order to increase the value of the car that a debtor can own to £4,000. All the measures are welcome and will bring us in line with other parts of the United Kingdom, namely England and Wales. <BR /> <BR />The Committee considered the rule on 12 June 2024 and noted later that the Examiner of Statutory Rules had no concerns about the regulations. <BR /> <BR />The Committee reviewed the consultation on related matters, noting that many users of the scheme are women with dependants. Members felt that the changes embodied in the order are welcome and will provide a more inclusive option for debt relief. The Committee therefore indicated that it was content for the order to be affirmed by the Assembly.”
“I thank the Minister again for his engagement up until now. It has been a busy day for him in the House. As I said to him earlier, it is almost as if he wants to keep me out of my constituency today. <BR /> <BR />I speak as Chairperson of the Committee for the Economy. As the Minister indicated, the House is aware that the Department's debt relief scheme is aimed at providing relief to individuals with relatively low levels of debt, few assets and limited income. There are prescribed monetary limits that individuals must meet if they are to be eligible to apply to the scheme. The rule, coupled with the recent and timely decision of the Minister to remove the £90 application fee, will make the scheme much more accessible.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and for reading out representations from the Democratic Unionist Party. I hope that his party leader is as open about representations that she has received when she is dragged before the House this afternoon. <BR /> <BR />Turning to the issue at hand, does the Minister share my surprise about the opposition from some quarters of the Executive and from the official Opposition to the £1·6 million allocated from the Budget to cleaning up this important issue?”
“I thank the Minister for his substantial statement and for his pre-briefing to me on the contents of it. The Committee will welcome the allocation of £6 million to continue the SKILL UP programme. Will you indicate how many course places that provides? <BR /> <BR />I particularly welcome the focus and funding that you have placed on Queen's University for those from under-represented backgrounds. The Minister will be aware that, at Queen's University, the most under-represented are those from working-class Protestant communities, particularly from the constituency of North Belfast, which I represent. Will you give a breakdown of how those 50 places will be allocated to those from under-represented backgrounds?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. It references terms of reference for the organisational capacity review of Tourism Ireland. The Minister will be aware from feedback to the Department's tourism strategy that there is concern amongst tourism providers in Northern Ireland that Tourism Ireland does not adequately and equitably highlight Northern Ireland's unique offering on this island. Will the Minister indicate whether the review will ensure that Northern Ireland is, rightly, marketed by Tourism Ireland and that there is not just a focus on the market in the Republic of Ireland?”
“That means widening participation and investing in skills, but, more importantly, for me, it means giving hope. As political leaders, we say that Northern Ireland is open to everyone and that it is a place to work, study and raise a family. As a House, we must send a clear message that we want people from whatever walk of life to study here, to raise a family here and to make Northern Ireland work. I ask Members to support our amendment.”
“On occasion, we need to speak about the strengths of what we have to offer. <BR /> <BR />The Minister also spoke about the "persuadables", who are our favourite people during elections. We need to offer people the opportunity to study in Northern Ireland, as well as in other parts of the United Kingdom or in the Republic of Ireland. It is important for our young people to have those choices. I tried to study at university in the Republic of Ireland, but Trinity College made the wise decision to refuse my application and, instead, Queen's University had the misfortune of having me. <BR /> <BR />There is clear agreement among all those who spoke in the debate that we want the best future for all our young people, regardless of our constitutional aspirations.”