Video: New Secretary of State Brandon Lewis backs a ‘strong  and vibrant university’ for Derry on first visit to city

Mr. Lewis, speaking on his first visit to Derry in his new role, said the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) would fully support the Executive as plans for a Graduate Entry Medical School at Magee were progressed.

“The Executive are looking at the business case at the moment for the medical school. It’s a really exciting opportunity.

“Obviously the UK Government has put in some money and support into that.

“I support that. I think when you’ve got a really strong, vibrant university it can be of benefit to the entire community both economically and socially.

“I think there’s a really good opportunity there for people to be able to develop skills locally that are much needed locally and to give people things to get involved with and to be part of as part of developing the area for the future.

“So I think a strong university is really good for the area,” said Mr. Lewis after meeting Derry’s cross-sectoral Unity of Purpose group in the Guildhall yesterday.

The new Secretary of State said the Derry ‘City Deal’ was another project that could help transform the local economy and which he was keen to see developed.

“The government has put in £105m towards the City Deal here and I think that gives a good opportunity for economic growth that people can benefit from, create jobs and see more opportunities in the future.

“I will be supporting the Executive and the teams here locally to do that.”