On Wednesday 26th November Ivan Lewis MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, hosted the launch of the Heenan-Anderson Commission. Speakers were the co-chairs of the commission, Professor Deirdre Heenan and Colin Anderson OBE, and Ivan Lewis MP. The event was chaired by Jim Fitzpatrick, business journalist and former Economics Editor at BBC Northern Ireland.

The Heenan-Anderson Commission will work with a panel of experts to investigate how the Westminster government can work with the Northern Ireland Executive to improve opportunities for those who currently have no stake in the economy and are at the margins of their communities.

It is a ground-breaking attempt to tackle inequality in Northern Ireland. It will focus on the implications of a rebalanced economy where there will be a much greater equilibrium between public and private sectors. An economy which attracts global companies but also grows small and medium sized businesses; where public sector reform does not mean the “slash and burn” approach favoured by the current Westminster Government but recognises the need for enhanced quality and efficiency. It will address issues from early childhood development to educational attainment to skills and business start-ups; from the possibilities presented by city driven growth for Belfast and Derry/Londonderry to new opportunities for the rural economy.

Heenan-Anderson will report in the spring and help to frame the priorities for an incoming Labour Government. We will use the findings to consider how the economic pact between the Westminster Government and Northern Ireland Executive can be developed to have a sharper focus on reducing inequality. Where policy responsibility is devolved we will identify how best practice can be shared and find opportunities to work together on innovation which will benefit not only Northern Ireland, but also the rest of the UK.  

Labour leader Ed Miliband MP said:

“Tackling inequality is at the heart of Labour’s agenda for the whole of the UK.

“The people of Northern Ireland deserve to have an equal stake in prosperity and the opportunities that will give them a chance to shape their lives for the better.

“The Heenan-Anderson Commission will look comprehensively at ways to improve opportunities for the most disadvantaged communities in Northern Ireland.”

Ivan Lewis MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland commented:

“I am delighted that two such distinguished individuals as Deirdre Heenan and Colin Anderson have agreed to co-chair this commission. They will identify policies which will make the greatest difference and ensure the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland have a stake in a better future.

“A relentless focus on tackling inequality is the only way to transform Northern Ireland’s vision of a shared future from a fine aspiration to an exciting new reality.

“It is the single most important factor which will enable us to tear down the walls and replace them with bridges in every community.”

Colin Anderson OBE said:

“Northern Ireland has made enormous strides in my many years as a business leader. But not everyone has benefitted from the progress that has been made.

“Looking at ways to increase skills and aspiration for people across Northern Ireland will bring a new lease of life to the economy.”

Professor Deirdre Heenan said:

“Too many of the young people I work with want to leave Northern Ireland to work abroad. Many more lack hope and opportunities, and do not have the option to leave.

“This leaves them open to exploitation by paramilitaries and sectarian mind sets.

“Our commission will find innovative ways to bring a peace dividend to everyone in Northern Ireland.”