The Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Bill - Various clauses and amendments to extend the Executive formation period and facilitate organ donation changes

Asked Chris Heaton-Harris to confirm that joint authority and direct rule are not on his agenda, reiterating the importance of making sure devolution works.

Reflected that during direct rule in 2004/2005, public services were inadequate. He emphasised the need for a functioning Assembly to avoid such inadequacies.

Commended the Secretary of State and the Government for making organ donation an opt-out law in Northern Ireland, ensuring equality with other parts of the UK.

Thanked Chris Heaton-Harris for introducing the Bill and expressed support for making organ donation an opt-out law in Northern Ireland, ensuring equality with other parts of the UK.

Commended Chris Heaton-Harris for taking action on organ donation and thanked Dáithí's family for their campaign efforts.

Suggested that cross-jurisdictional organisations like the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly could help better understand and resolve political issues in Northern Ireland.

Argued that while politicians should work together, they must address imposed difficulties rather than viewing them as a game. He emphasised the need to resolve issues plaguing all communities in Northern Ireland.

Assured that those involved with Northern Ireland politics take it seriously and not as a game, citing personal sacrifices made to support Northern Ireland.

Peter Kyle supports the Bill, which implements Dáithí's law. He praises engagement between parties but criticises fast-tracking of Bills. He highlights Northern Ireland’s economic challenges including low disposable incomes and high healthcare waiting lists. Kyle emphasises the potential for innovation in Northern Ireland if a functional devolved government is restored.

Supports the Secretary of State’s proposal and cross-party amendment for Dáithí’s law. Highlights the need to get things right rather than done quickly, citing recent meetings with the family pushing for this change. Emphasises that people want practical improvements in housing, economy, health outcomes and education. Acknowledges the urgency and importance of moving towards an enduring settlement.

Intervenes to support the need for careful handling during negotiations, highlighting the urgent healthcare issues in Western Health and Social Care Trust where some patients wait eight years for consultations. Urges for swift resolution of governance issues.

Supports the extension and Dáithí’s law, although sees it as a less than perfect way of introducing legislation. Acknowledges the importance of local governance but supports the amendments to bring hope and positive outcomes for people in Northern Ireland.

Welcomes Secretary of State's decision to bring forward amendments for enabling legislation, ensuring that prescribed organs are covered by deemed consent. Supports moving forward in a way that respects Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom and addresses constitutional issues stemming from the protocol. Emphasises the need to restore cross-community consensus broken down by the protocol and highlights practical trade issues faced by businesses and farmers due to the protocol's restrictions.

Mr. Shannon interjected briefly to pay tribute to Jo-Anne Dobson, whose son had a transplant without which he would not be here today, reinforcing the importance of organ donation.

The Bill represents a failure of political blackmail and highlights that Unionists will not collaborate in an Assembly where they are required to implement the protocol until significant changes are made. He cites legal, economic, and constitutional issues arising from Northern Ireland's subjection to EU laws and calls for fundamental changes to the relationship between Brussels and Belfast.

Supports the Bill and appreciates its potential to facilitate Dáithí’s law. Highlights that an election might not achieve much in the short term due to a delicate negotiating process and suggests that if an agreement is reached, it should lead to the restoration of institutions soon. Argues for institutional reform where parties cannot veto power-sharing or decisions affecting communities. Discusses the protocol and calls for pragmatic solutions while emphasising the importance of preserving market access both within the EU and UK economies. Critiques Unionism as not being a majority viewpoint in Northern Ireland. Emphasises the need to address democratic deficits by ensuring Northern Irish voices are heard during law development rather than after decisions have been made. Concerned about uncertainties deterring investors from coming to Northern Ireland, advocating for clarity without undermining market access.

Intervened by questioning why Alliance Party did not propose or support moves excluding Sinn Féin during three years of no Executive.

Raised concerns about EU regulations affecting Northern Irish farmers, specifically mentioning that organic eggs produced in Northern Ireland can no longer be sold to other parts of the UK as of Friday this week.

Welcomes the amendment to address organ donation, praising Dáithí and his family for their determination in bringing about change. Acknowledges Jo-Anne Dobson's efforts and her personal experience of donating a kidney to save her son. Expresses frustration with the Northern Ireland protocol and its impact on devolution, highlighting economic impacts such as £350 million annual cost on trader support service and issues affecting small family businesses like organic egg trade and seed potato importation.

Supports the Bill as a sensible response to an ongoing problem. Acknowledges the need for flexibility in addressing issues with the Northern Ireland protocol and emphasises the importance of solving these problems to improve relations between the UK and the EU. Highlights concerns about economic consequences and democratic deficits, while advocating for practical solutions over absolutism.

Raises concern about delays in publishing a review of Roaccutane due to issues with the Northern Ireland protocol, leading to 81 adverse health effects including one suicide.

Argues that legal justification for the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill has disappeared due to flexibility and renegotiation, making the legislation unnecessary. Suggests trust has been restored between Westminster and Brussels.

Mr. Shannon highlights the protocol's violation of the Belfast/Good Friday agreement, advocating for constitutional changes and representation rights for Unionists. He mentions his constituency's support for leaving the EU and expresses concern over economic impacts such as tariffs on goods trade. Mr. Shannon also emphasises the importance of respecting human rights and religious freedoms.

Supports the Bill and recognises that while it is in the best interests of Northern Ireland to have a functioning Executive, an election now would not support restoration. Argues for a clear plan from the Government on how they will use extra time to restore the Executive and address political issues. Acknowledges the work of civil servants but calls for the Government to give them a voice by meeting public sector trade unions and agreeing to fair deals for workers involved in industrial action. Raises concerns about healthcare, food production, gender inequality due to the cost of living crisis, and the need for better utilisation of resources to support vulnerable groups.

Responds to the debate by thanking all contributors. Acknowledges the deep sense of regard for Northern Ireland and commits to addressing significant issues related to medicines upon conclusion of ongoing talks and negotiations. Supports the continued conversation on protocol issues with DUP and expresses appreciation towards a 'Taste of Northern Ireland' event, while clarifying that mistakes or decisions made are not down to civil servants but rather advisers advise and Ministers decide.

Requests reassurance from the Secretary of State regarding the review of the medicine Roaccutane, completed in 2021 but unpublished due to Northern Ireland protocol.

Intervenes to raise concern about the review of Roaccutane medicine which was completed but not published due to Northern Ireland protocol.

Expresses gratitude towards Chris Heaton-Harris for his reference and invites him to visit a distillery in his constituency where whiskey was presented.