← Back to House of Commons Debates
Privilege 2025-07-14
14 July 2025
Lead MP
Simon Hoare
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
TaxationNorthern Ireland
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Simon Hoare raised concerns about privilege 2025-07-14 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Moves that the transcript of unreported oral evidence taken from Mr Baxter by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee in private session on 11 November 2009 be referred to the Committee of Privileges; requests the committee to consider the petition from the Secretary to the Omagh Bombing inquiry and take any advice it considers necessary, including considering whether the evidence should remain unreported or recommending its release. Emphasises the importance of justice for those affected by the Omagh bombing and highlights the procedural steps needed to facilitate this.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Supports the quest for justice for families affected by the Omagh bombing, agreeing that justice should be at the forefront of Members' minds during the process.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Stresses the importance of providing necessary information to the Omagh inquiry and agrees with the need for the Privileges Committee to consider the request favorably. Emphasises that it would be incongruous if information relevant to the inquiry was unavailable due to privilege.
Alberto Costa
Con
South Leicestershire
As Chair of the Committee of Privileges, he noted that the motion asks for conclusions by the end of October. He expressed readiness to consider any issues arising from releasing unreported evidence and acknowledged the inclusion of a document rightly belonging to the House in the terms of reference of the public inquiry.
Alex Burghart
Con
Brentwood and Ongar
The Conservative party strongly supports the motion as worded on the Order Paper, emphasising the importance of having a process that can compel witnesses and take evidence under oath to get to the bottom of what happened. He was reassured by the remarks made by the Chair of the Privileges Committee.
Government Response
The Government are very supportive of the motion. Should it be agreed, the Government will await the work of the Committee of Privileges with interest.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.