Brandon Lewis, Northern Ireland Secretary, spoke about a range of issues including “Northern Ireland Beyond 100”.
The Rt Hon Lord Taylor of Holbeach chaired the event with Rt Hon Baroness Chalker of Wallasey giving the vote of thanks. Lord Ranger CBE spoke and Carl Hunter chaired the Q&A session.
The recording of the meeting is here.
Biography
The Rt Hon Brandon Lewis CBE was appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 13 February 2020.
He was previously Minister of State for Security and Deputy for EU Exit and No Deal Preparation from 24 July 2019 to 13 February 2020. He was Minister without Portfolio from January 2018 to July 2019 and Minister of State for Immigration from June 2017 to January 2018. Brandon was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government from September 2012 until July 2014. He served as Minister of State for Housing and Planning at the Department for Communities and Local Government from July 2014 until July 2016.
He was elected Conservative MP for Great Yarmouth in 2010.
Brandon Lewis was made a CBE for political and public service in September 2019.
Education
Brandon has a BSc Economics and LLB Hons (Law) from the University of Buckingham. He also holds an LLM in commercial law from King’s College London.
Career outside politics
Brandon is a qualified barrister and a company director. Before joining the government, Brandon was an active member of a number of all-party parliamentary groups, including those for enterprise zones and local growth as well as local government. He was co-chair of a group on coastal erosion and continues to work with colleagues who represent other coastal towns to highlight common issues in their constituencies.
Brandon served on Brentwood Borough Council for more than 10 years, with 5 as leader.
Personal life
Brandon is married with 2 children. He enjoys a variety of sports as well as reading and going to the theatre and cinema. He has also completed the London Marathon twice.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Secretary of State has overall responsibility for the Northern Ireland Office, advances UK government interests in Northern Ireland and represents Northern Ireland interests in the Cabinet.
The Secretary of State leads on:
- Political stability and relations with the Northern Ireland Executive
- National security and counter-terrorism
- Implementation of the Stormont House and Fresh Start Agreements, including legacy of the past
- Representing Northern Ireland in the Cabinet on EU exit, including new economic opportunities
- International interest in Northern Ireland, including relations with the Irish government
