Danny Kinahan, Ulster Unionist MP for South Antrim, has raised his deep concerns with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about Northern Ireland`s economic underperformance, highlighted in the latest PwC report which forecasts that the Northern Ireland economy will grow by just 0.2% in 2017.
South Antrim MP, Danny Kinahan, said:
“Languishing as the poorest performing of the 12 UK regions is simply not good enough. It was inevitable that in the aftermath of the Brexit decision we would be the first to feel the pain of that shock. We also have an Executive that has demonstrated little initiative, drive or unity in these serious times to address the key issues. We need strong support from our UK Government. We must address these new challenges as a truly United Kingdom.
“During questions to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the House of Commons today I urged him to do all that he can to help our local economy in light of the predicted continued economic slowdown. The Chancellor told me that: ‘One of our key priorities, in the interests of social fairness and economic productivity, will be to address the huge and grotesque disparities between the economic performance of regions in the UK.’
“The Ulster Unionist Party will continue to engage to with local businesses, industries, sectors, elected representatives, and the government to turn the tide on our economic underperformance.”