First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Education Minister to attend the East-West Council in Belfast today

The East-West Council is a forum for key representatives from government, civil society and businesses from across the UK to advance shared opportunities and address shared challenges.

Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly – alongside Education Minister Paul Givan – will attend the meeting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Matthew Patrick will be joined by Minister for the Cabinet Office Nick Thomas-Symonds, and Minister for Early Education Olivia Bailey from the UK Government.

It is the second sitting of the council in Northern Ireland under the current UK Government and the third overall.

The agenda will include an update from the Secretary of State on the £16.6 million funding package announced at last November’s Budget for strengthening trade across the UK internal market, including £2.25 million funding for Intertrade UK and additional funding for the establishment of a new “one stop shop” facility for Windsor Framework guidance and support for businesses. In addition, Chair of Intertrade UK Baroness Foster will give an update on the organisation’s plans.

In addition, there will be an update on the Northern Ireland Office’s Connect Fund, which has already awarded over £400,000 to fifteen organisations in round one, and is offering a total of £500,000 in round two, which is now open for applications until midday February 12. The Connect Fund offers grants from £300 up to £50,000 aiming to support work in sectors directly affecting Northern Ireland communities, encouraging East-West collaboration across the UK, and equipping local groups to tackle challenges and access opportunities shared by communities in Great Britain.

There will also be an update on the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper commitment to a UK school twinning programme pilot focused on reading, which is being developed between the UK Government’s Department for Education and the Northern Ireland Executive’s Department of Education.

Ahead of the meeting, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Matthew Patrick will visit schools in Belfast alongside NI Education Minister Paul Givan and UK Government Minister for Early Years, Olivia Bailey.

A statement outlined that these joint visits will “highlight the two governments working in partnership to deliver high and rising standards for Northern Ireland’s children and young people, and to learn from each other’s education practice and priorities.”

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said: “The extensive work being undertaken across the UK Government to strengthen East-West relations demonstrates this Government’s commitment to connectivity and strong relationships between all parts of the UK.

“I’m particularly glad to welcome to the East-West Council the Minister for the Cabinet Office and the Minister for Early Years Education, whose presence will emphasise these strong and constructive working relationships.

“From the work of Intertrade UK to support Northern Ireland’s businesses and economic growth; to the Connect Fund’s championing of Northern Ireland’s community and voluntary sector; and the development of a twinning programme in partnership with the NI Department of Education to support Northern Ireland’s children and young people, the UK Government is working to build relationships and initiatives which improve opportunities for people in Northern Ireland and across the UK.”