Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, attended roundtable discussions in Newry City hosted by Newry Chamber. The event took place at the Canal Court Hotel. Newry Chamber President Conor Patterson and CEO Michael Savage joined members of the executive board.

Chamber members raised issues affecting economic development in the region. They addressed access to labour, wastewater infrastructure and funding for local skills programmes. Businesses called for UK-Irish government collaboration on cross-border funding for infrastructure projects in the Greater Newry and Greater Dundalk area.

Benn visited MJM Marine headquarters in Carnbane. The Newry-based company specialises in marine fitouts for cruise brands. He met Naoimh McConville, joint managing director of parent company The Rathbane Group, Gary Annett, CEO of MJM Marine, and members of the executive and team. The group toured production facilities.

Conor Patterson stated that Newry's border location requires UK government support on labour access, UK-Irish cooperation on wastewater infrastructure and funding for skills programmes. He described the meeting as productive with follow-up actions for the Secretary of State.

Hilary Benn noted Newry's economic importance due to its location and entrepreneurship. Discussions covered skills, labour supply, the Windsor Framework and wastewater constraints. He affirmed UK government commitment to growth via the Industrial Strategy and £30 million Local Innovation Partnership funding for Northern Ireland.