Contributions
1,346 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDPatrick Finucane InquiryOn 11 September 2024, I announced the establishment of an independent statutory inquiry into the murder of Patrick Finucane in February 1989, under the Inquiries Act 2005. This…09 Mar 2026HANSARDEconomic Impact of Government PoliciesAs the hon. Member will be aware, the Government announced that the allowance for 100% rate relief will be increased from £1 million to £2.5 million. That means that a couple will…11 Feb 2026HANSARDEconomic Impact of Government PoliciesI met the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action and CO3 last week to talk about this matter. It is a difficult situation because of how capital and resources have been…11 Feb 2026HANSARDEconomic Impact of Government PoliciesThe figures are based on the assessment that there are particular requirements for the Scottish islands in terms of services, access to essential care and so on. That is why that…11 Feb 2026HANSARDEconomic Impact of Government PoliciesI certainly agree with my hon. Friend. All parts of the United Kingdom derive strength and benefit from being part of that Union. We can see in the figures I quoted a moment ago…11 Feb 2026HANSARDAutumn Budget 2025The autumn Budget provided Northern Ireland with an additional £370 million, on top of the record spending review settlement, and will assist families with the cost of living by…11 Feb 2026HANSARDAutumn Budget 2025The lifting of the two-child benefit cap in Northern Ireland will help more than 17,000 children and more than 48,000 people in Northern Ireland households. We are also increasing…11 Feb 2026HANSARDEconomic Impact of Government PoliciesThe Government are supporting Northern Ireland through the four city deals, the local innovation partnerships fund, an enhanced investment zone and greater economic stability.…11 Feb 2026HANSARDEconomic Impact of Government PoliciesI do not accept that Northern Ireland has the worst of both worlds. However, the hon. Gentleman is right to draw attention to the issue facing small businesses, highlighted by the…11 Feb 2026HANSARDAutumn Budget 2025Like the whole House, I share the hon. Member’s wish to improve cancer treatment and cancer waiting times for those who are currently waiting too long. There is the public…11 Feb 2026HANSARDAutumn Budget 2025The increase in national insurance was a decision that the Government took to deal with the inheritance left by the last Government. [ Interruption. ] That is a fact, and no one…11 Feb 2026HANSARDTroubles-era Violence: IRA AccountabilityThere are currently six republican paramilitaries facing prosecution for troubles-related killings. The legacy commission is already investigating a number of IRA atrocities,…11 Feb 2026HANSARDTroubles-era Violence: IRA AccountabilityI have, of course, seen the report that the Select Committee has published. There are ongoing civil proceedings and the Government, as I indicated previously, are still…11 Feb 2026HANSARDTroubles-era Violence: IRA AccountabilityThe answer to the right hon. Member’s first question is that it will depend, as he well knows, on the evidence in any individual case, and that decision will be taken by public…11 Feb 2026HANSARDIdentity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022I wish to provide an update to the House regarding the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022. The New Decade, New Approach deal, which was instrumental to the…28 Jan 2026HANSARD Northern Ireland Troubles: Legacy and ReconciliationNo, it is not about dredging up the past. Like many right hon. and hon. Members, I have met far too many people—the families of victims—who live with the past every single day,…21 Jan 2026HANSARD Northern Ireland Troubles: Legacy and ReconciliationI have listened very carefully to every single contribution, and I think it is fair to say that the majority of people speaking in this debate do not agree with immunity. They…21 Jan 2026HANSARD Northern Ireland Troubles: Legacy and ReconciliationWhat I am saying is that the Government do not agree with the conditional immunity contained in the legacy Act. The word “conditional” is always used as if it does not necessarily…21 Jan 2026HANSARD Northern Ireland Troubles: Legacy and ReconciliationWe have had a very full and wide-ranging debate in which many different contributions have been made, demonstrating once again just how difficult it is to deal with legacy—I think…21 Jan 2026HANSARD Northern Ireland Troubles: Legacy and ReconciliationI will continue. I have tried to cover the point that some have argued, particularly in the other place, that we should delay the remedial order until the Supreme Court ruling in…21 Jan 2026