Owen Welcomes NI Economic Reform Group Report
16 February 2010
Commenting on today’s report by the Northern Ireland Economic Reform Group, Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Owen Paterson said: “I warmly welcome today’s authoritative report by the Northern Ireland Economic Reform Group. “They make a very coherent case for a reduced rate of corporation tax in Northern Ireland. “The Conservative Party has been saying for some time that a radical, long-term strategy is required to end Northern Ireland’s dependence on the public sector and to boost private sector investment. “Northern Ireland faces some economic challenges that are unique within the United Kingdom. “That’s why Conservatives and Unionists are currently looking at ways in which we could turn Northern Ireland into an enterprise zone should we win the election. "Obviously given the terrible state of the public finances any changes must be affordable. "But we will look closely at these proposals which will help to inform our strategy for reforming corporation tax. "We have set ourselves the ambition of making Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom the most competitive corporate tax environment in the G20."
