Contributions
680 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Northern Ireland: Murder of Lyra McKeeMy hon. Friend highlights one issue that we face in the absence of an Executive at Stormont. I have said that I am determined to see the Executive restored as soon as possible,…23 Apr 2019HANSARDDevolved GovernmentThe hon. Lady did very well to get through the question and still have some voice left. The decisions that are taken by the civil servants in Northern Ireland—the permanent…10 Apr 2019HANSARDLeaving the EU: No DealToday is the 21st anniversary of the Belfast agreement. Our commitment to the agreement and its successor agreements remains steadfast. It has been instrumental in bringing peace…10 Apr 2019HANSARDLeaving the EU: No DealThe hon. Gentleman is absolutely right: the European arrest warrant is vital, and it is used in Northern Ireland perhaps more than in any other part of the United Kingdom. It is a…10 Apr 2019HANSARDLeaving the EU: No DealThe Belfast/Good Friday agreement was a landmark achievement. It took many years and many people take credit for it, and quite rightly so. We have been clear that there will be no…10 Apr 2019HANSARDLeaving the EU: No DealThis House gave the Northern Ireland Executive the power to cut the corporation tax rate. That is an achievement of this Government, and we believe it would help the economy of…10 Apr 2019HANSARDLeaving the EU: No DealI agree that it is in everyone’s interests that we co-operate with all our friends in the European Union, and in particular with Ireland. My hon. Friend is right. Northern Ireland…10 Apr 2019HANSARDLeaving the EU: No DealThe right hon. Gentleman is right to point out that there was a majority—the only majority in this House for anything—for the Brady amendment. I was one of those who voted for it,…10 Apr 2019HANSARDLeaving the EU: No DealI understand the many frustrations that there are around this process. I voted for the withdrawal agreement—I voted for it three times. I believe that it is a fair and balanced…10 Apr 2019HANSARDDevolutionOn 26 March, I laid before Parliament a statutory instrument that extends the period for Executive formation until 25 August. This follows the recent engagement that I have had…10 Apr 2019HANSARDDevolutionI do not agree with the hon. Gentleman’s opening remarks, but I do want to look at what is the best way to achieve a successful outcome from the talks, and I am open to looking at…10 Apr 2019HANSARDDevolutionThe right hon. Gentleman knows that the best thing for the people of Northern Ireland is devolved government in Stormont, with local politicians making decisions for the people…10 Apr 2019HANSARDDevolutionThe right hon. Gentleman, who has considerable experience in this field and who will, I am determined, remain the last direct rule Minister, knows that there are some…10 Apr 2019HANSARDDevolutionI would like to see talks resume as soon as possible, but I am acutely aware that there are issues, including the fact that local government elections are now being fought in…10 Apr 2019HANSARDDevolutionThe hon. Gentleman refers to a number of issues that may be making it more difficult for parties to find an accommodation to enable them to restore devolution. I know that he is a…10 Apr 2019HANSARDDevolutionI do not wish to correct the hon. Gentleman unnecessarily, but the recommendations of the Hart inquiry came two years ago, just after the Executive collapsed. Since that time, the…10 Apr 2019HANSARDDevolved GovernmentAs I set out previously, the statutory instrument that I laid before Parliament on 26 March extends the period for Executive formation until 25 August. I have proposed a short,…10 Apr 2019HANSARDDevolved GovernmentWe have tried on a number of occasions to bring the parties together. My hon. Friend will know that we had an intensive period of talks last year that were very close to a…10 Apr 2019HANSARDDevolved GovernmentI was delighted to co-sign the heads of terms for the Belfast region city deal with partners last month. It is a significant milestone, which will ultimately deliver the first…10 Apr 2019HANSARDDevolved GovernmentWe are looking at all options, but clearly the only sustainable way forward for Northern Ireland lies in getting the institutions back up and running. The restoration of devolved…10 Apr 2019