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Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Bill - Clause 2 and amendments
10 May 2023
Lead MP
Claire Hanna
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Northern Ireland
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Claire Hanna raised concerns about northern ireland (executive formation etc) bill - clause 2 and amendments in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
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
Ms. Hanna moved an amendment to modify the conditions under which certain provisions of the bill would come into effect, changing the requirement from when an Executive is formed to a formal meeting where substantive business has been transacted by the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Executive Committee.
Ms. Winterton provided procedural guidance and listed several amendments and clauses for discussion without detailed arguments or positions on them.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Mr. Robinson supported amendment 5, tabled by his party leader, expressing hope that the Secretary of State would consider it favourably as it aids in gathering necessary information for consultation without undermining the bill's substance.
Stephen Farry
SDLP
South Down
Mr. Farry proposes amendments focusing on financial sustainability for Northern Ireland by seeking a government-backed investment package linked to areas such as health, education, skills, infrastructure, and climate change mitigation. He emphasises the need for transformation in these sectors due to underfunding and inefficiencies.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Creasy expresses concerns about the lack of clarity on how the Government intends to use powers under the Retained EU Law Bill, particularly impacting devolved competencies and rights in Northern Ireland. She mentions potential impacts on pension protections, environmental laws, and employment rights. She argues that these amendments are necessary for accountability and scrutiny.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Supports the Bill for its necessity in ensuring governance continuity. Emphasises the importance of engagement with the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council and other relevant bodies.
Explained why certain amendments are not necessary, stressing that provisions already exist for fiscal sustainability. Offered to engage further on specific points raised by MPs but declined some proposals due to practicality issues.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
[INTERVENTION] Requested the Minister commit to engaging with DUP on amendment 5 and related issues, ensuring inclusive consultation processes.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
[INTERVENTION] Cited past instances of rotating Ministers to highlight the importance of robust governance mechanisms, urging against potential crises.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
[INTERVENTION] Questioned whether the Minister had explored the powers given in the Bill and sought clarity on their implementation.
Peter Kyle
Lab
Hove and Portslade
Expressed gratitude to the Minister for progressing the Bill, emphasised that the UK Government has a significant role in resolving Northern Ireland's political issues, urged the Minister to be an active participant rather than solely urging Northern Irish parties to solve problems. Cited past UK Government actions as contributing to challenges faced in Northern Ireland.
Acknowledged the need for agency and commitment from the Minister to work expeditiously with everyone to restore the Executive, highlighting his previous efforts in building relationships with the EU and Irish Government.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Interjected that while the Minister may claim to have built bridges with the EU and Irish Government, his actions have damaged relationships with Unionists.
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