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Northern Ireland
26 February 2024
Lead MP
Steven Baker
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyNorthern Ireland
Other Contributors: 25
At a Glance
Steven Baker raised concerns about northern ireland 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 a Humble Address to welcome the restoration of the devolved government in Northern Ireland, emphasising the importance of upholding the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and recognising the Acts of Union. Praises the work of Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly in working together despite differences on constitutional matters. Acknowledges the £3.3 billion funding package from the UK Government to support the Northern Ireland Executive, which will stabilise public services and pave the way for improved infrastructure and investment. Affirms that there is no basis for joint authority arrangements with the Irish government.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Foyle
Expresses concern over the Minister's earlier statement suggesting a need for majority consent from both Unionist and nationalist communities for constitutional change, pointing out that only a simple majority is required.
Queries about EU legislative powers in Northern Ireland following assurances by the Secretary of State regarding UK's ability to legislate for VAT.
Lagan Valley
Welcomes changes allowing the Assembly to vote on whether new EU laws can apply in Northern Ireland, stressing improvements over previous automatic pipeline of EU law without scrutiny or veto options.
Ian Paisley Jnr
DUP
North Antrim
Asks for clarity regarding VAT and EORI number requirements within UK trade regulations, highlighting issues faced by constituents due to such requirements.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Foyle
Asked the Minister to confirm that there is no provision in the Good Friday agreement or the Northern Ireland Act 1998 for direct rule from London, despite changes since then.
Pressed the Minister on reform of the institutions and asked him to work closely with the Irish Government and the parties in Northern Ireland to ensure a proper examination of the rules on the institutions to prevent collapse.
Said that the statement was more like a love letter to Northern Ireland, highlighting the huge increase in businesses registered there in the last year alone (up by 60%).
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked the Minister about ensuring east-west connections and what he will do on Ulster Scots and culture, both within the UK and with the USA.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
The Opposition will support the Humble Address, acknowledging the leadership of the DUP in restoring devolved government. The speaker expresses hope for a constructive and productive Administration and reaffirms support for the Good Friday agreement. He raises concerns about the Command Paper's language regarding the all-island economy and questions the Government's intentions on repealing section 10(1)(b) of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, seeking clarification on its implications. The speaker supports the Windsor framework for ensuring smooth trade but notes that businesses are confused about why 'all-island economy' is contentious. He endorses the renewed commitment to the Good Friday agreement and emphasises the importance of fostering shared institutions under strand 3 of the agreement.
Richard Thomson
SNP
Aberdeen North
Emphasised that Northern Ireland is best governed locally, acknowledging the imperfections in the agreement but highlighting optimism and realism about its potential. Mentioned his involvement with the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly and the positive change in tone regarding Stormont's return. Highlighted the East-West Council as an area for future development and cooperation. Criticised past prioritisation of a particular form of Brexit over other constituent parts of the Union, suggesting that consent should be a key principle across all parts of the Union.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Agreed with Richard Thomson on finding common ground despite differing opinions on constitutional matters, citing examples such as fishing and cultural issues from their meetings in Strangford.
Lagan Valley
Welcomes the reaffirmation of Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom, praises the Government for correcting the harm done by the protocol to Northern Ireland and its political balances, acknowledges that more work is needed on areas such as veterinary medicines and goods travelling in transit from Great Britain via Northern Ireland into the European Union. He also emphasises the need for cross-community consensus in Northern Ireland and welcomes progress made towards restoring unfettered access to the UK internal market and maintaining privileged access to the EU single market, while recognising that there is more work to be done on certain aspects.
Stephen Farry
Alliance
South Antrim
Highlights concerns about the marginalisation of duty towards all-island economy, potential issues with Stormont brake delaying or creating uncertainty around EU law application. Calls for greater transparency and co-operation from Government in engaging with political parties in Northern Ireland.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Wilson criticises the stance of his fellow Unionist, Stephen Farry, for supporting EU-imposed measures that weaken Northern Ireland's place within the UK. He emphasises the betrayal by successive Conservative Prime Ministers who prioritised relations with the EU over the interests and concerns of Northern Irish Unionists. Wilson argues that the current arrangements undermine the principle of consent established in the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, as it allows for EU laws to be imposed on Northern Ireland without its say.
Stephen Farry
Alliance
North Down
Farry defends his position and criticises Wilson's characterization of a lack of democratic representation during the two-year period when there was no functioning Assembly. He asserts that the priority should be on ensuring governance stability rather than debating theoretical constitutional changes.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Benn clarifies that the current situation in Northern Ireland is a direct result of the UK's decision to leave the EU, as voted by the British public. He argues against the notion that these measures are imposed solely by the EU.
Robin Millar
Con
Unknown Constituency
Millar raises concerns about the constitutional implications of changes made through statutory instruments without proper scrutiny and debate in Parliament, suggesting a need for greater respect and consideration when dealing with matters of constitutional law.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Robinson agrees with Millar's points about the constitutional importance of the actions taken by the Government and argues that they denied any implications on Article 6 at the time, despite being questioned extensively.
Nigel Evans
Conservative Party
Constituency not specified
Noted the significance of two statements made after departmental questions, and informed that this debate may extend for another hour. Additionally, he announced the rescheduling of a previously scheduled general debate on farming due to time constraints.
Ian Paisley Jnr
DUP
North Antrim
Paisley discusses the need for further action on implementing changes promised by the government, including establishing working groups and resolving issues with veterinary medicines and plant trade. He also highlights specific examples of businesses in his constituency facing difficulties due to the protocol.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Welcomes provisions in the 'Safeguarding the Union' Command Paper, such as monitoring committees and new provisions on rest-of-world products. Acknowledges the work of her party to improve the situation caused by the Northern Ireland Protocol but notes there is still much work ahead. Highlights issues like horse movements, rare breeds, and plants affecting agriculture in Northern Ireland. Emphasises that being part of an internal market without border controls is a foundational right for economic citizenship within the UK. Raises concerns about the Supreme Court ruling on suspending economic provisions under article 6. Criticises the Windsor Framework as invalid due to its impact on territorial integrity, urging the Government to declare it void and restore full rights under article 6. Promises constructive engagement with the Northern Ireland Assembly on various issues.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
As a Northern Ireland MP, Jim Shannon expresses his pleasure at the debate and acknowledges the contributions made. He discusses the financial aspect of Casement Park, suggesting that the £70 million allocated for it could be better dispersed across Northern Ireland to benefit all sports clubs. He highlights the DUP's decision to bring down the devolved Administration due to economic and constitutional damage caused by the EU’s Northern Ireland protocol. Shannon emphasises the positive outcomes of the deal made with the EU, including reduced paperwork and trade barriers for businesses. He also mentions the reduction in products needing green lane checks and improvements for nurseries. Finally, he underlines the importance of today's Humble Address to reaffirm the Government's commitment to Northern Ireland’s constitutional position and trust-building efforts.
Richard Thomson
SNP
Gordon
Welcomed the compromise and pragmatism involved in maintaining unity within Northern Ireland. He emphasised the importance of people's consent or otherwise to a state's membership, raising points that the Minister noted as important but beyond his current time frame.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds Central
Asked questions regarding the joint report and its implications for the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, seeking clarity on why specific provisions were made to consider the joint report if it was rendered redundant by the Act.
Lagan Valley
Indicated assent, confirming his agreement with previous statements or decisions made during the debate.
Government Response
The Minister acknowledges the hon. Member's concerns and expresses willingness to address the specific issues raised, including the establishment of working groups and resolving trade frictions.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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