Contributions
921 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDNorthern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) BillThe Government are united around our shared objective of addressing the legacy of Northern Ireland’s past in a way that delivers for those directly impacted by the troubles and…09 Nov 2022HANSARDVeteransI thank the hon. Gentleman for his question, which he raised with me just a few moments ago. I would appreciate it if he would write to me about the subject so that I can take it…09 Nov 2022HANSARD Northern Ireland ElectionsI understand the point that my hon. Friend has made and I will swerve well away from it.09 Nov 2022HANSARDPower SharingI thank my right hon. and learned Friend for the work he does in the Assembly. It is a vital new institution, which has deep roots in the European Parliament as well as this…09 Nov 2022HANSARD Northern Ireland ElectionsWith permission, Mr Deputy Speaker, I would like to make a statement on the issues arising from the failure of the devolved Government of Northern Ireland—the Northern Ireland…09 Nov 2022HANSARDNorthern Ireland: Commissioning of Abortion ServicesAs Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, I am required under section 9 of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019—the NIEF Act— to ensure that the…24 Oct 2022HANSARDNew Decade, New Approach: Delivery of Government CommitmentsDuring the passage of the Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Act in the House of Lords, the Government committed to laying a written ministerial…20 Oct 2022HANSARDIdentity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]I am always happy to listen to the hon. Gentleman’s contributions in this House.12 Oct 2022HANSARDIdentity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. I am delighted to speak to such an important Bill this afternoon, and I hope that hon. and right hon. Members will feel…12 Oct 2022HANSARDIdentity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]When I was on a treadmill in the gym this morning and last night, I read the debates in Committee and on Report in the other place, and I will answer in exactly the same language.…12 Oct 2022HANSARDIdentity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]The former leader of the hon. Gentleman’s party, Dame Arlene Foster, recognised in January 2020 that this is a “fair and balanced” package that has been agreed by all parties. I…12 Oct 2022HANSARDIdentity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]I thank my right hon. Friend for his wise counsel on this matter. I was having a conversation earlier today where I was reminded of the large number of Hong Kong Chinese who also…12 Oct 2022HANSARDIdentity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]The Government are committed to delivering on New Decade, New Approach and all its commitments. That has come forward at different stages, as the hon. Gentleman well knows, and…12 Oct 2022HANSARDIdentity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]I believe that this can be celebrated across all communities and in all ways with the respect it truly deserves, so yes, I happily agree with the hon. Gentleman on that. Secondly,…12 Oct 2022HANSARDIdentity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his contribution. This serious subject was well debated in the other place and I am sure he will be tabling amendments to probe the Government…12 Oct 2022HANSARDIdentity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]I would never like to disagree with the right hon. Gentleman, but I would like to think that when we get to debate the detail of the responsibilities of each commissioner and how…12 Oct 2022HANSARDIdentity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]I thank my right hon. Friend for that intervention. BSL was briefly mentioned in debate in the other place and I believe a probing amendment was tabled on it. BSL is not reflected…12 Oct 2022HANSARDIdentity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]I hear what my right hon. Friend is saying, but BSL is not reflected in this Bill at this point. I am sure he can add expertise and wise counsel as to whether this is the right…12 Oct 2022HANSARDIdentity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]The right hon. Gentleman is correct; the duty is to give due regard to the items that I have listed. I would like to think that some of the measures that I have outlined would act…12 Oct 2022HANSARDIdentity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]I thank my right hon. Friend for his contribution. I have some statistics that back up his point, from the 2021 “Knowledge and use of Irish and Ulster-Scots in Northern Ireland”…12 Oct 2022