Mr Gale informed the House about the process for tabling amendments, indicating that the Chairman of Ways and Means will soon select all those tabled. He provided procedural information rather than a stance on the bill.

Benn supports the Bill, recognising that holding elections now would not resolve Northern Ireland's political difficulties. He emphasises the need for the DUP to return to government and calls on the Secretary of State to release funds for public sector pay increases without waiting for a restored Executive. Benn acknowledges the importance of the Windsor Framework and maintains that it is necessary for future negotiations with the EU. However, he insists on restoring power-sharing institutions as soon as possible.

McGinn interjects to highlight the impact of a lack of funding and direction in Northern Ireland's healthcare system, illustrating how institutional failure affects the public directly. He calls for an end to such legislation and urges the restoration of institutions.

Wilson criticises the Secretary of State, arguing that he is using public sector workers as leverage in negotiations with the DUP, delaying necessary pay awards for teachers and nurses.

Shannon claims that unions have publicly stated that the Secretary of State has control over the funds needed to settle public sector disputes, suggesting he should release these resources immediately.

Smith agrees with Benn that any alternative to restoring institutions is suboptimal. He emphasises the need for a functioning Government in Northern Ireland.

Millar questions whether Benn's stance fully aligns with power-sharing principles, particularly regarding concerns over EU lawmaking affecting Unionist consent.

He supports the Bill, emphasising the need for the Stormont institution to be restored due to issues like public sector pay, health waiting lists, limited childcare offers, divergence on medicines, etc. He praises the deal negotiated by his government and the DUP as 'really good', offering over £3 billion in funding. Smith asserts that being part of the devolved Assembly is crucial for Unionism to make its case effectively.

He regrets discussing another postponement but acknowledges the need for local governance in Northern Ireland. He criticises the current lack of political direction leading to budget issues and stresses the importance of settling public sector pay claims before Stormont's reconstitution. Thomson also points out that Brexit was against majority wishes in Scotland and Northern Ireland, creating economic barriers and trade borders within the UK. He advocates for closer alignment or rejoining the single market and customs union.

Mr Buckland supports the continuation of direct rule in Northern Ireland until a functioning Executive can be restored. He emphasises the need for the Northern Ireland institutions to function properly to address issues arising from the Windsor framework and the Northern Ireland protocol. He notes that while some EU member states, such as Spain, may have reservations about an independent Scotland joining the EU, the reality of post-Brexit arrangements necessitates pragmatic approaches rather than idealistic assumptions. Mr Buckland also discusses the importance of legislative changes to solidify Northern Ireland's position within the UK internal market and expresses a desire for a functioning Executive to address operational issues effectively.

Mr Girvan interjects, highlighting the bureaucratic difficulties businesses in the UK face when trading with Northern Ireland under the current framework. He points out that trade divergence is increasing and provides an example of how supply chains are changing, leading to economic impacts on Northern Ireland.

Mr Millar asks about the intention of Mr Buckland's Committee to look at Northern Ireland as it currently stands, including levels of inward investment and how business has responded to the Windsor framework over the past year.

Mr Girvan intervenes again, pointing out that under EU rules and laws, Northern Ireland faces higher carbon tax offsets compared to the rest of the UK.

Mr Redwood asks Mr Buckland for a message to the Unionist community in Northern Ireland regarding their acceptance of EU laws they do not influence and border controls within the UK.

The Democratic Unionist Party supports devolution and the concept of electing representatives to restore Northern Ireland’s political institutions on a sustainable basis. He emphasised his party's objective is twofold: addressing issues created by the Northern Ireland Protocol and providing a basis for institutional restoration. Donaldson noted that his party initiated negotiations between the UK Government and EU, leading to changes in the protocol despite initial reluctance from both parties. He criticised those who prematurely claim deals have been made without seeing details, suggesting some do not want Stormont back or an Assembly in Northern Ireland. Donaldson also highlighted the importance of ensuring goods flow freely within the UK and strengthening ties across the Union on economic, trade, education, and health issues. Furthermore, he called for public service funding to be transferred immediately to ensure workers receive their deserved pay rise.

Supports the extension of negotiation time but expresses frustration with the lack of functioning institutions. He discusses the impact of Brexit and the need for pragmatic solutions within the Windsor framework, emphasising the importance of dual market access. Acknowledges the financial package but calls for a wider discussion on long-term fiscal support for Northern Ireland. Stresses the need for public sector pay issues to be addressed promptly. Advocates for reform of the Good Friday agreement to facilitate restoration and prevent future instability.

Mr. Gale focuses on procedural matters, reminding MPs of the time constraints for the Second Reading debate and urging brevity in speeches.

Mr. Robinson seeks clarification from the Deputy Speaker about remaining speakers on the list, indicating a desire to manage the time efficiently for those still wishing to contribute to the debate.

The speaker criticises the Government for putting pressure on Unionist parties, mentioning threats of changing the Belfast agreement and economic impacts such as trade diversion. He also highlights that nearly 50 public sector pay agreements have been awarded in the last year but these are now being used to exert pressure. He emphasises the need to remove the economic impact of the border in the Irish sea.

Supports extending the deadline due to ongoing concerns about protocol bureaucracy and constitutional implications. Argues that Northern Ireland’s position within the UK should be prioritised, highlighting issues such as unnecessary paperwork for traders and discrepancies in safety standards between Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK.

Supports the extension to push for the restoration of devolved government. Emphasises that communities need effective decision-making bodies in place and highlights widespread dissatisfaction among public sector workers due to the political situation.

Robinson intervened to clarify that trade unions are not asking the Northern Ireland Office to negotiate their pay; they will negotiate with their employers. He pointed out that the money secured and agreed upon in December should be released to allow for such negotiations.

The MP thanked those involved for their contributions, praised Unionist representatives, and reiterated his commitment to seeing locally elected decision-makers address issues in Northern Ireland. He also acknowledged the need for democracy and the importance of delivering election results.

The MP interjected to urge the Secretary of State to use good will to secure £600 million from the £3.3 billion available for addressing pay issues in the medical sector and teaching profession.

The MP briefly thanked the Secretary of State for keeping him informed and expressed hope that the situation would be resolved successfully, praising the right hon. Member for Lagan Valley's willingness to unite all parts of the House in supporting the return of Northern Ireland’s Government.