Contributions
680 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDDevolved GovernmentWe remain steadfast in our commitment to the Belfast agreement and its successors, including the provisions setting out an inclusive, power-sharing Government. An approach that…10 Apr 2019HANSARDDevolved GovernmentAs I have said, I have already laid the SI to extend the period during which an Executive can be formed. We need to ensure that we are doing everything we can to get the…10 Apr 2019HANSARDDevolved GovernmentAs I said earlier, I rule nothing out. I am looking at all the options that are available in terms of getting the conditions right and getting those successful talks. If the hon.…10 Apr 2019HANSARDDevolved GovernmentYou are probably not aware, Mr Speaker, that I managed to offend the hon. Gentleman in the Tea Room earlier, so I will point out that you allowed youth to win on this occasion. Of…10 Apr 2019HANSARDDevolved GovernmentAs I say, I want to see devolution restored at the earliest opportunity. I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s comments about the willingness of his party. I am convinced that…10 Apr 2019HANSARDDevolved GovernmentI do not think it is right for the hon. Lady to make that assertion. There are unique circumstances and pressures in Northern Ireland. The Government respect that and want to make…10 Apr 2019HANSARDDevolved GovernmentI am absolutely delighted to congratulate everybody involved in “Derry Girls”. I have not yet seen the final episode, so I do not want any spoilers.10 Apr 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland Assembly ElectionAs Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, I am independent of what happens with regard to relationships on voting—those are a matter for Whips—but I am looking at all the…21 Mar 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland Assembly ElectionI am grateful for the opportunity to update the House on my progress towards restoring the Northern Ireland Executive and the other institutions established under the Belfast…21 Mar 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland Assembly ElectionThere is definitely not dictatorship from this House towards Northern Ireland. I am completely committed to devolution and all the institutions established under the Belfast…21 Mar 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland Assembly ElectionI have to say I am very disappointed by the hon. Gentleman’s tone—he is someone I respect and have enormous time for. I was incredibly disappointed when I saw that my…21 Mar 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland Assembly ElectionI thank the Chair of the Select Committee on Northern Ireland Affairs, whom I also notified of the decision yesterday. The reason for the comment about short and focused talks is…21 Mar 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland Assembly ElectionThe reason for the legislation in the first place was that we need to ensure that there is some political cover for civil servants taking decisions. We want to make sure that…21 Mar 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland Assembly ElectionI thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question. I am aware that he probably has an aeroplane to catch, so I will not detain him any longer than need be. I am looking at what we…21 Mar 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland Assembly ElectionAs the hon. Lady knows—she pushed very hard for this—there is transparency on decisions through reports laid in this place on decisions that have been taken. However, I will look…21 Mar 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland Assembly ElectionWith specific reference to the moneys secured under the confidence and supply arrangement, those moneys are being released as appropriate by the Treasury, and they are included…21 Mar 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland Assembly ElectionI agree with the right hon. Gentleman; I want him to continue to be the very last direct rule Minister for Northern Ireland, and I am determined that we achieve that. But he will…21 Mar 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland Assembly ElectionThe hon. Lady has campaigned on that matter for many years. She has introduced a private Members’ Bill, ten-minute rule Bills and so on, and I know she feels very strongly about…21 Mar 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland Assembly ElectionI am today laying before Parliament a statutory instrument which extends the period for Executive formation under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of…21 Mar 2019HANSARDLeaving the European Union: Northern Ireland BorderThe unique social, political and economic circumstances of Northern Ireland must be reflected in any arrangements that apply in a no-deal scenario. This Government are committed…13 Mar 2019