MP for Foyle and SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has called on the British government to address the unfairness of industries in Northern Ireland being left out of their British Industry Supercharger scheme.

The scheme is designed to ensure the energy costs for industries are in line with other major economies and puts measures in place to help provide jobs and investment.

Following a question to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch MP, on whether her Department had discussions with industry stakeholders in Northern Ireland before announcing the scheme, the British government confirmed that their measures relate to the GB electricity market only and exclude Northern Ireland because it is part of the separate Single Irish Electricity Market.

Colum Eastwood MP said:

"The British government has confirmed to me in writing that businesses in Northern Ireland will not be included in their British Industry Supercharger scheme because we are part of the Single Irish Electricity Market.

"This is a blow to industries operating here that provide much-needed employment for many of our people and investment into our local economy. How can Northern Ireland attract necessary investment opportunities when Ministers in London are cutting off businesses from important schemes to help with rising costs?

"The North can’t continue to lag behind while industries in other areas receive a helping hand from the flailing Tory government. The British government must put measures in place to assist industries here with energy costs and keep Northern Ireland competitive and in a position to welcome new investment."