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<p>As the Government’s Northern Ireland manifesto at the last elections stated clearly:
“As Conservatives and Unionists, the preservation of a secure and prosperous United
Kingdom is our overriding goal. That is why we will never be neutral in expressing
our support for the Union and Northern Ireland’s place within it”. Northern Ireland
benefits immensely from being part of the United Kingdom while the United Kingdom
as a whole is stronger and better together.</p><p> </p><p>This Government firmly believes
the Union is strongest when all its people can see and feel its benefits in their
everyday lives. Northern Ireland benefits hugely from being an integral part of the
world’s sixth largest economy.</p><p> </p><p>The financial advantages of being in
the Union can be clearly seen in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, for example through
the range of tax measures announced such as full expensing, that will help support
local businesses. The National Insurance cut, combined with the increase in the National
Living Wage, will mean a pay boost for nearly one million people in Northern Ireland.
From January, 800,000 workers in Northern Ireland will benefit from £311 back into
their pocket due to the National Insurance cut. The Belfast area has recently secured
£3.8 million UK Government funding to become one of the UK’s 10 5G Innovation Regions
which will benefit local creative industries, advanced manufacturing, and transport
and logistics.</p><p> </p><p>The UK Government was also proud to host the Northern
Ireland Investment Summit, showcasing the opportunities across Northern Ireland for
global investment, and highlighting the benefits of the Windsor Framework. This Government
governs for the whole of the country, ensuring that the Union delivers for all citizens
across every part of the UK.</p>
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