Contributions
921 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDNorthern Ireland Budget (No. 2) BillThe hon. Gentleman makes a wise point, and I know he follows this issue closely. We are working closely with the Northern Ireland civil service on this matter. As he alluded to,…10 Jul 2023HANSARDNorthern Ireland Budget (No. 2) Billindicated dissent.10 Jul 2023HANSARDNorthern Ireland Budget (No. 2) BillI beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. In doing so, I once again speak with a strong sense of disappointment. At multiple junctures since becoming Secretary of…10 Jul 2023HANSARDNorthern Ireland Budget (No. 2) BillI thank the hon. Gentleman for his point, and we could consider introducing a needs-based factor into the Barnett formula for Northern Ireland—it would be a similar mechanism to…10 Jul 2023HANSARDNorthern Ireland Budget (No. 2) BillI very much hope that no discussion with a future Executive would take seven years to come to any conclusion. In the meantime, we have a responsibility to ensure that public…10 Jul 2023HANSARDNorthern Ireland Budget (No. 2) BillI thank the right hon. Gentleman for his point. He and his party representatives, and indeed all the political parties in Northern Ireland, have been working extremely hard behind…10 Jul 2023HANSARDNorthern Ireland Budget (No. 2) BillI thank my hon. Friend for his question, and acknowledge his long-standing interest in this area. He does great work on the Select Committee. I know that he has read the Institute…10 Jul 2023HANSARDNorthern Ireland Budget (No. 2) BillIndeed, we do provide that funding. It is to the value of £32 million a year this year and next year for sure, and then the future is the future. Clauses 1 and 2 authorise the use…10 Jul 2023HANSARDNorthern Ireland Budget (No. 2) BillWe have just had a debate about making sure that we are factually correct in this place. I am quite sure that what the right hon. Gentleman is saying is absolutely factually…10 Jul 2023HANSARDRelationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023It would be exactly the same as in England. The education would take place for those who want it to take place. A school’s RSE policy should be subject to consultation with…26 Jun 2023HANSARDRelationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023We have heard a wide range of strongly held personal views, and contributions on all aspects of the regulations from members of the Committee from all parts of the House. I will…26 Jun 2023HANSARDRelationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023I happily will, but it will be later in my speech, if the hon. Member will allow me. The Human Rights Commission recently conducted an investigation into relationship and…26 Jun 2023HANSARDRelationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023No, I will not. A number of points were made about the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee, and I thank it for its consideration of these regulations. I am grateful for the…26 Jun 2023HANSARDRelationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023I can clarify that it will be exactly the same as what is being implemented in England at this point in time. I will talk about parents’ opinions in a moment, so I thank my…26 Jun 2023HANSARDRelationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his points, but I think I made mine equally strongly. Another question was: what consideration was given to allowing conscientious objections…26 Jun 2023HANSARDRelationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023I beg to move, That the Committee has considered the Relationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023, No. 602). It is a pleasure…26 Jun 2023HANSARDRelationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023No. In my opening remarks, I want to recognise the clear will of this House for the Government to deliver on their statutory duty with respect to sexual and reproductive health…26 Jun 2023HANSARDPower SharingI regularly discuss Northern Ireland affairs with my extremely interested Cabinet colleagues and keep them fully abreast of the efforts being made to restore the power-sharing…21 Jun 2023HANSARDEarly Learning and Childcare: FundingThe Government recognised in the Budget, as I have just mentioned, how important childcare is for all the reasons the hon. Lady gave, and we do work with the Department of…21 Jun 2023HANSARDEarly Learning and Childcare: FundingToday is a day of reflection in Northern Ireland. It marks an opportunity for people to think about the tragic and needless loss experienced by so many families during the…21 Jun 2023