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Identity and Diversity (Northern Ireland) Bill - Second Reading
12 October 2022
Lead MP
Chris Heaton-Harris
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Northern Ireland
Other Contributors: 39
At a Glance
Chris Heaton-Harris raised concerns about identity and diversity (northern ireland) bill - second reading 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
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland moved the Second Reading of the Identity and Diversity (Northern Ireland) Bill, which aims to recognise and protect the diverse identities in Northern Ireland, including Irish language speakers and Ulster Scots. The Bill adheres closely to the New Decade, New Approach agreement made in January 2020 and seeks to address issues related to identity and language that have been ongoing since then.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Asked the Secretary of State whether he is willing to accept amendments that reflect Welsh language legislation, similar to what was agreed in the St Andrews agreement 16 years ago.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Highlighted that Ulster Scots is more than just a language but also includes culture, art, poetry, music and words. He asked how the Bill ensures that Ulster Scots has the central focus it deserves.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Noted that while parts of New Decade, New Approach were agreed upon, this Bill does not accurately reflect those agreements and raised concerns about the departure from them.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Foyle
Welcomed the implementation of New Decade, New Approach but also pointed out that other commitments within the agreement had not been fulfilled. He asked for a commitment to deliver on Magee University in Derry.
Agreed with the Secretary of State that the Bill reflects New Decade, New Approach but emphasised the importance of both Irish and Ulster Scots being shared across communities as part of a rich history in Northern Ireland.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Suggested that modern, 21st-century Northern Ireland should include traditions from various communities such as the Polish community and raised concerns about whether BSL would be included in the Bill.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Questioned why there is a disparity between the power of the Irish language commissioner to direct public bodies and the lack of such power for the Ulster Scots commissioner, expressing concern about how this affects communities.
Asked about the inclusion of British Sign Language in the Bill given that it has become an official language and is used extensively across these islands.
Lagan Valley
Highlighted a disparity between the power of the two commissioners, with one having the ability to direct while the other only offers advice, raising concerns about protecting British identity in public spaces.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Intervened to emphasise the importance of giving the Ulster Scots commissioner powers to direct in order to prevent cultural destruction by Sinn Féin-dominated councils that strip out symbols identified with the Unionist community.
Peter Kyle
Lab
Hove and Portslade
Welcomed the Bill, expressing support for its measures which aim to adhere to the principles of equality, respect, and parity of esteem underpinning the Belfast/Good Friday agreement. Acknowledged the importance of recognising Irish language and Ulster Scots as part of cultural heritage, supported by the Government's commitment to honouring agreements made in New Decade, New Approach.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Welcomes the Bill, despite noting it would have been better if such legislation had taken place in a devolved space. Supports the Government's efforts to enhance language provision, culture provision, and rights from previous agreements. Emphasises the importance of balanced approach for Irish language campaigners and supports the establishment of Office of Identity and Cultural Expression with two commissioners: Irish language commissioner and Ulster Scots commissioner. Notes concerns about directive powers but acknowledges positive aspects like recognition of Ulster Scots as a national minority. Highlights cultural initiatives and events promoting Ulster Scots in various regions, including Derry city, Strabane, Cavan, Monaghan, County Donegal, Linen Hall library, National Museums NI. Supports future campaigns for broadcasting activities in Ulster-Scots.
Richard Thomson
SNP
Echoes sentiments on the tragic events in Creeslough and welcomes the Bill, despite regretting that it is being brought forward in Westminster rather than through the Northern Ireland Assembly. Acknowledges the significance of both Irish and Ulster-Scots languages as integral to cultural heritage with significant usage rates according to latest census data (12.5% for Irish, 10% for Ulster-Scots). Highlights cultural similarities between Ulster-Scots and Scots through a publication by the British Council, demonstrating familiarity and shared vocabulary.
Eleanor Laing
Con
Orders for clarity regarding the Scottish language terms mentioned by Richard Thomson. Acknowledges the relevance of the words without endorsing or opposing the Bill, maintaining order in the debate.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Ms. Carla Lockhart criticises the Government's move to centralize decision-making powers over language and identity issues, arguing that it undermines devolved local democracy in Northern Ireland. She emphasises the sensitivity of language and identity issues in Northern Ireland, suggesting that the Bill is a reward for those weaponizing the Irish language rather than facilitating respect for all identities. The speaker also highlights discrepancies in the treatment of Ulster Scots compared to Irish language provisions within the Bill.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Mr. Sammy Wilson, interjecting during Carla Lockhart's speech, observes a correlation between matters being brought to Westminster and out of the hands of the Northern Ireland Assembly, attributing this trend primarily to demands made by Sinn Féin.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Foyle
Mr. Colum Eastwood interjects with a question directed at Carla Lockhart, though the content of his query is not specified in the given text.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Mr. Robinson argues against what he perceives as a departure from the New Decade, New Approach agreement (NDNA), which did not include provisions for a stand-alone Irish language Act or similar measures. He supports the inclusion of Ulster Scots and Ulster British traditions in legislation but criticises the Government's approach to implementing these changes through the Bill without the consent of the Executive Office. He emphasises that the provisions in the Bill go beyond what was agreed upon in NDNA, undermining devolution and causing political support to crumble.
In an intervention, Mr. Farry questions why no effort was made by DUP members to bring forward legislation within the Northern Ireland Assembly when it was functioning, rather than defaulting to Westminster for such matters.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Mr. Wilson agrees with Mr. Robinson's concerns and warns that once the power is in the Bill, there will be pressure to use it when one party does not get their way.
In an intervention, Mr. Baker assures that the Government has no intention of leaping in to use powers but acknowledges concerns about potential misuse of these powers.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
The amendment is designed to protect minority languages like Irish and Ulster Scots while ensuring no diminution of the status of English. It aims to normalise these provisions by removing them from political debates, preventing any language rights being used as a tool for political advantage.
Lagan Valley
Questions the politicisation of language and cites Danny Morrison's statement that every word spoken in Irish is another bullet fired in the struggle for Irish freedom, suggesting a concern over the use of language as a political weapon.
Julian Smith
Conservative Party
Skipton and Ripon
Emphasises that during negotiations, neither commissioner had the right to promote language, highlighting the correctness in ensuring promotion is not a focus of the Bill.
Stephen Farry
SDLP
South Down
Supports the Irish Language Bill; emphasises that it reflects commitments made in previous agreements. Raises concerns over delays in implementing these measures and highlights the disappointment of not seeing them prioritised by the restored Executive and Assembly. Farry mentions the need to address powers given to the Secretary of State and discusses the importance of respecting the spirit of the New Decade, New Approach agreement while considering amendments. He also addresses misconceptions about the Bill's impact on society and reiterates that it is about public bodies responding proportionately.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Intervenes to acknowledge that while many campaigners for Irish language provisions have been harmed by irresponsible approaches, the issue has indeed been weaponised. She seeks support from Farry on amendments aimed at bringing the powers of the Ulster Scots commissioner in line with those of the Irish language commissioner.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Intervenes to acknowledge that while many campaigners for Irish language provisions have been harmed by irresponsible approaches, he seeks clarity on Farry's stance regarding amendments that would bring parity between the Ulster Scots commissioner and the Irish language commissioner.
Arfon
Hywel Williams acknowledges his trepidation in addressing Northern Irish politics but aims to share lessons learned from Wales. He emphasises that the language issue can be depoliticised, citing the example of how even the UKIP included Welsh in its election materials in Wales. He discusses historical context and the emotional aspects of language change, referencing the decline of Welsh speakers historically and the current situation where one in three people speak Welsh. Williams highlights the importance of official recognition for languages like Welsh and mentions the pitfalls associated with previous legislation such as the Welsh Language Act 1967 which stated that English text would prevail in case of divergence. He advocates for devolving language matters to Northern Ireland, similar to how it was done in Wales, emphasising the normalization of Welsh usage in courts and its practical benefits.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Shannon argues against clause 42 as it stands, stating that the treatment of Ulster Scots and Irish language is unequal. He highlights that public authorities must have regard to the Irish language commissioner but not the Ulster Scots commissioner, which he sees as discriminatory. Shannon calls for amendments to ensure parity of esteem between both linguistic communities.
Intervenes positively towards meeting Jim Shannon to discuss potential changes to the Bill.
Suggests that creating additional quangos under this Bill is not a good use of public money, especially when constituents need investment in public services. He points out the Government's previous commitment to reducing the number of quangos.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Clarifies that the bill would create three quangos, not just one, as suggested by Scott Benton. He emphasises the cost implications and questions the necessity of these additional bodies.
Lindsay Hoyle
Speaker
Chorley
Announced the results of the election for the new Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Congratulated Alicia Kearns on her victory.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Thanked the Clerks, other candidates, Tom Tugendhat for his work as Chairman, and supporters. Promised to represent all interests.
Lindsay Hoyle
Speaker
Chorley
Acknowledged a correction regarding a name and transitioned the debate.
Expressed concern about an imbalance in the Bill, suggesting Ulster Scots commissioner is treated as a tick-box exercise. Criticised the promotion of Irish language signage which he claims leads to division and territorial marking. Raised concerns over removal of monarch emblems from council buildings. Highlighted heritage issues and cost implications. Emphasised past use of language as a weapon in Northern Ireland.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
The speaker supports the Bill as it aims to depoliticise language protections and promote linguistic diversity in Northern Ireland. She emphasises that legal structures should ensure recognition of Irish, Ulster Scots, and British traditions as part of Northern Ireland’s heritage. Drawing from her experience as a modern foreign languages teacher, she advocates for embracing multilingualism to foster community unity. Comparing the Bill to changes in Wales, she highlights how language has become an unremarkable part of daily life there through education and public service access in Welsh. She requests a commitment on resourcing and a clear timescale from the Government.
Steven Baker
Con
Devizes
Supports the implementation of the draft legislation associated with the New Decade, New Agreement deal. Acknowledges the sensitivity and importance of language in Northern Ireland, highlighting its role in healing divisions and fostering unity. He expresses hope for a future where the Irish language is celebrated alongside other languages without political bias.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Intervened to express concern about the disparity in power between the Irish Language Commissioner and the Ulster Scots commissioner, advocating for a state of equality where all languages and their associated cultural elements are treated equally.
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