Contributions
1,346 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Northern Ireland Troubles: Legacy and ReconciliationAs I am sure the right hon. Gentleman is well aware, in that case Mr Downey was issued with a letter of comfort wrongly. The letter said, “We’re not seeking you for anything,”…21 Jan 2026HANSARD Northern Ireland Troubles: Legacy and ReconciliationIf we are going to get on to the facts, the early release scheme was part of the Good Friday agreement, and the people of Northern Ireland voted for that agreement knowing what it…21 Jan 2026HANSARD Northern Ireland Troubles: Legacy and ReconciliationWell, how could I resist?21 Jan 2026HANSARDNorthern Ireland Troubles BillMy hon. Friend is quite right to draw attention to one of the implications of the 2023 legacy Act in shutting down all those investigations. He is right that families are…07 Jan 2026HANSARDSupport for VeteransThe whole House will agree that we owe our Operation Banner veterans an enormous debt of gratitude. That is why the Government are introducing six protections for veterans…07 Jan 2026HANSARDEconomic Impact of Government PoliciesNorthern Ireland’s economy is one of the strongest of any part of the United Kingdom: it has the lowest unemployment and its economic growth outpaced the rest of the UK in the…07 Jan 2026HANSARDEuropean Convention on Human Rights: Belfast AgreementI agree that it could have very wide-ranging implications for Northern Ireland in particular, as well as for the rest of the country. I have not made such an assessment, because…07 Jan 2026HANSARDEuropean Convention on Human Rights: Belfast AgreementI agree with my hon. Friend. We need to remember that it is the Human Rights Act that gives all of us access to the rights and protections contained in the European convention on…07 Jan 2026HANSARDNorthern Ireland Troubles BillI do not agree with either of the characterisations that the hon. Gentleman just referred to. I am confident that the protections, which we have designed specifically for…07 Jan 2026HANSARDNorthern Ireland Troubles BillAll the political parties in Northern Ireland that expressed their profound opposition to immunity have welcomed the fact that immunity will go under the legislation that we have…07 Jan 2026HANSARDNorthern Ireland Troubles BillI am very happy to give my hon. Friend that assurance. I did indeed meet the Special Air Service Regimental Association recently, as part of the discussions that I and my…07 Jan 2026HANSARDNorthern Ireland Troubles BillI have already given the House that assurance from this Dispatch Box. When we consider the Bill in Committee, we will have the opportunity to debate the Bill in its current form…07 Jan 2026HANSARDSupport for VeteransI do not agree with that assessment. I have had many discussions with the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner, and if one looks at the facts, including at the prosecutions that…07 Jan 2026HANSARD2025 BudgetI do agree with my hon. Friend. That is why the Government’s decision to lift the two-child benefit cap was widely welcomed in Northern Ireland. I would also point out that…07 Jan 2026HANSARD2025 BudgetThe public services transformation fund is a very important demonstration of the partnership between the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. As the hon. Member will…07 Jan 2026HANSARDEconomic Impact of Government PoliciesThe Northern Ireland Executive have very considerable responsibilities in respect of the Northern Ireland economy. I note that the Finance Minister has published a draft…07 Jan 2026HANSARD2025 BudgetThis Budget provided Northern Ireland with an additional £370 million, on top of the record settlement of £19.3 billion each year on average over the spending review period. The…07 Jan 2026HANSARDEuropean Convention on Human Rights: Belfast AgreementAs I have said many times in the past, there is no such thing as vexatious prosecutions. The ECHR protects the rights of all our all citizens, including the veterans who served…07 Jan 2026HANSARDEuropean Convention on Human Rights: Belfast AgreementThe hon. Gentleman is correct to say that it is possible for signatories to the convention to withdraw, but it is a very bad idea and the Government do not support it.07 Jan 2026HANSARDEuropean Convention on Human Rights: Belfast AgreementThe steps that I took in relation to the vote on the renewal of the Windsor framework arrangements were absolutely in line with the provisions that were put in place by this…07 Jan 2026