Debate contribution: Defence Growth Deal
Debate contribution by Mrs Emma Little-Pengelly on .
- MLA
- Mrs Emma Little-Pengelly
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 11 May 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Defence Growth Deal
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5523784
Read the official Assembly record
Text
You are absolutely right. Given the global instability and conflicts, spend on defence is increasing. It is increasing in NATO countries and, as I said, on the eastern front of the European Union. It is increasing in every country that is trying to protect against cyberattacks and to protect its citizens. There will be huge growth in the sector in the next while. We all hope for peace, but we must be realistic about the real threats to our citizens. Therefore, I believe that the Economy Minister must make it a key sector. It is a key growth sector in a challenging global investment context. We must support it, because that growth will bring real benefit for the people of Northern Ireland.
122 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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