Interparliamentary Finance Committee

On Wednesday I jointly chaired the above, at Stormont, Belfast, with Matthew O’Toole MLA (SDLP), Peredur Owen Griffiths MS (Plaid Cymru) and Diane Forsythe MLA (DUP).

Altogether 13 parliamentarians from 11 parties in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland met as we do once each year to discuss areas of mutual interest.

Primarily, we work ensure that the devolved nations are given due consideration by UK Ministers and the Treasury and co-ordinate working together in areas of common interest.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones MP, could - in the event - only spare 15 minutes, which did not go down well. However, other participants, such as Northern Ireland Finance Minister John O’Dowd MLA, and Northern Ireland Fiscal Council Chair, Sir Robert Chote, were very well received.

All in all, it was a very positive meeting with unanimity across the nations and parties present on the way forward.