Contributions
1,346 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDNorthern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023: ReplacementI listen carefully to all the representations that are made to me, including in that report, which I have read. I am committed to introducing legislation as soon as possible,…21 May 2025HANSARDStrengthening the Union: GB and NIThe Union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which we will discuss next month at the East-West Council, remains strong. The deal with the EU will enable the smooth flow…21 May 2025HANSARDNorthern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023: ReplacementThe Government have begun the process of repealing and replacing the previous Government’s legacy Act. The draft remedial order in Parliament represents the first step. The…21 May 2025HANSARDUS-UK Economic Prosperity Deal: Northern IrelandThe hon. Gentleman is right to point out that EU retaliatory tariffs directed at the USA would have an impact in Northern Ireland, because of its dual-market access. I can write…21 May 2025HANSARDUS-UK Economic Prosperity Deal: Northern IrelandThe trade deal with the USA, together with the agreements with the EU and India, are very significant. Northern Ireland exporters, including those exporting services, technology…21 May 2025HANSARDGood Friday Agreement: Lessons LearnedI share with the hon. Member and the whole House a wish to see lasting peace in the middle east, and what is happening at the moment is appalling and intolerable. However, I think…21 May 2025HANSARDGood Friday Agreement: Lessons LearnedThe Good Friday agreement has brought peace, security and a better life to the people of Northern Ireland. It remains an unparalleled achievement almost 30 years on from its…21 May 2025HANSARDVeterans: Legal ProtectionsI can say directly to the right hon. Gentleman: there are no such plans.21 May 2025HANSARDVeterans: Legal ProtectionsI will inform the House of proposals in due course. I am in discussions with the Irish Government, and that is well known publicly. The reason the legacy Act resulted in so much…21 May 2025HANSARDVeterans: Legal ProtectionsWe have begun the process of repealing and replacing the legacy Act in the proposed draft remedial order. It will deal with the conditional immunity that was struck down by the…21 May 2025HANSARDVeterans: Legal ProtectionsI agree with what the former Defence Secretary said in 2019. He said: “The British Army uphold British values, which is the rule of law, and that’s what we stand for.” I advise…21 May 2025HANSARDVeterans: Legal ProtectionsThe veterans who served in Operation Banner did so with distinction in very difficult circumstances, and ultimately helped to bring about the peace that Northern Ireland now…21 May 2025HANSARDEconomic GrowthOn customs, in addition to the SPS deal, the significantly reduced Windsor framework customs arrangements, introduced on 1 May, will of course remain in place, because the UK is…21 May 2025HANSARDEconomic GrowthThe agreement on the application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures that was reached with the European Union on Monday is extremely significant. As the hon. Member will know,…21 May 2025HANSARDEconomic GrowthThere is a great deal that the Executive can do to help promote economic growth. I have just given one example, and investing in and supporting the development of skills is…21 May 2025HANSARDEconomic GrowthThe new Grand Central station is a magnificent piece of infrastructure, and I recommend any Members who have not yet had a chance to visit it to do so. I am not contemplating for…21 May 2025HANSARDEconomic GrowthEconomic growth is this Government’s priority, and our industrial strategy is central to that. It will be published in June, and will support the Executive’s plans for growth. The…21 May 2025HANSARDEconomic GrowthI am sure that my hon. Friend, and the whole House, welcomes the recently announced increase in defence expenditure. Northern Ireland has a strong and significant defence sector,…21 May 2025HANSARDInterim Custody Orders: CompensationThe Supreme Court judgment was in 2020, and the last Government could not find a legal solution in almost three years. I am committed to finding one, and I promise that I will…21 May 2025HANSARDInterim Custody Orders: CompensationAs I told the House a moment ago, the courts found that clauses 46 and 47 were unlawful. Although the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal was not obviously asked to rule on that,…21 May 2025