The new UK East-West Council aims to strengthen economic, investment, and connectivity links between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, building on agreements to bring the DUP back to Stormont.
The UK government has announced the establishment of the UK East-West Council, a new initiative aimed at strengthening the ties between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. This council has been created following an agreement with the DUP to facilitate the return of the party to Stormont. The inaugural meeting will involve Stormont’s first and deputy first ministers, government ministers from the UK, and Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove. The council intends to focus on enhancing economic, investment, and connectivity links between the regions, including trade, education, and culture.
The formation of the council was outlined in the government’s Safeguarding the Union command paper, emerging from negotiations that aimed to address DUP concerns over post-Brexit trading barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Its objectives are broad, focusing on sharing best practices on economic issues, advising on major projects, enhancing international investment in Northern Ireland, and improving east-west connectivity.
This development occurs against a backdrop of increased attention to Northern Ireland’s economic position post-Brexit, with a recent cross-party delegation led by Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn emphasizing political stability in Stormont as crucial for unlocking investment opportunities. The delegation discussed the economic benefits arising from unique post-Brexit trading arrangements that give Northern Ireland access to both the Great Britain and EU markets.
In addition to the council’s establishment, there has been a resurgence in the development of freeports across the UK, aimed at boosting economic activity, trade, and investment. Despite concerns regarding their overall economic contribution and potential cost to the government, proponents believe freeports will attract international investment and aid in economic recovery post-Brexit.
The East-West Council represents a significant move towards enhancing relations and cooperation between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, with a focus on addressing economic inactivity, improving trade flows, and attracting international investment. Its annual report will outline steps for growth in Northern Ireland and the wider UK, reflecting a collaborative approach to tackling shared challenges and opportunities.