The members' of the Northern Ireland Conservatives attended an enjoyable Dinner on Wednesday 1st February in Belfast, with Minister of State for the NIO Mr. Steve Baker (MP for Wycombe) addressing the room, including Party donors and local business people.
He provided insight on the delicacy of the protocol negotiations at this time and so was unable to give precise details, suffice to say it was his view it would be positive for NI businesses. Recent figures have shown the NI economy contracting and underperforming the rest of UK.
Members asked some probing questions and, in turn, were asked about possible reform of institutional arrangements in Executive and assembly. Mr. Baker welcomed such discussions but recognised that it would need to be driven by parties within the NI Assembly.
Chairman of the Northern Ireland Federation, Matthew Robinson said “It was a pleasure to host our esteemed Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Steve Baker MP. We enjoyed a refreshing exchange of views between members, donors, and friends of the Northern Ireland Conservatives.
His commitment to the electoral success of the Party here is unwavering. The desire he displayed for pragmatic, non-sectarian, centre-right unionism to flourish in Northern Ireland is hugely welcome and shared by our local membership.”
