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Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Bill - After Clause 3 - Transitional Provision
07 February 2022
Lead MP
Conor Burns
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Northern Ireland
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
Conor Burns raised concerns about northern ireland (executive formation etc) bill - after clause 3 - transitional provision 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 Minister moves Lords amendment 1 and Lords amendment 2, which both deal with the commencement clauses of the Bill. The amendments allow for provisions to come into effect on the day of Royal Assent or retrospectively if there is a political vacuum due to the resignation of the First Minister, thus triggering changes agreed under New Decade, New Approach.
Peter Kyle
Lab
Hove and Portslade
The Labour MP criticises the Government for their lack of focus on Northern Ireland's political situation, leading to a crisis. He argues that the amendments are an admission of negligence by the Government in not prioritising the Bill and its implementation.
Tony Lloyd
Lab
Unspecified Constituency
Intervened to express his agreement with Peter Kyle's point that it is astonishing there has been no Government Minister available to make a statement on the crisis.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Intervened to ask if the Opposition would support unilateral action by the Government, despite his own party's stance, to ensure unity of the United Kingdom.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Intervened twice to urge the Minister and the Government to take decisive action in line with their previous promises to live up to commitments made regarding Northern Ireland's position within the UK market and constitution.
John Redwood
Con
Wokingham
Intervened to ask if the hon. Gentleman would urge the EU to step back from interfering in GB's internal market, suggesting that such action could help resolve the crisis.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Supports immediate effect of the Bill to ensure that the power-sharing arrangement can continue despite recent events. Raises concerns about timing and context, questioning involvement of the UK Government in the First Minister's decision to leave power sharing. Emphasises the importance of upholding the Good Friday agreement for maintaining trust and governance.
Notes support from his party for the legislation due to its improvements in transparency and accountability, and believes the Lords amendments can be positive. Supports them on that basis without further elaboration.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Agrees with the importance of trust and rule of law as highlighted by Julian Smith. Criticises self-service over public service, citing health, education, and infrastructure issues during previous interregnums affecting vulnerable communities in Northern Ireland.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
Asked if there was consent for Brexit, highlighting that it was pursued as a 'consent-free mystery tour' and questioned the DUP's opposition to amendments seeking a role for the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Agreed with his right hon. Friend that as time has gone on, the EU has tried to stoke the fires of frustration and opposition rather than ameliorate concerns.
Asked if it is not the case that the EU is breaking the protocol by failing to protect the UK internal market and communities' consent.
The speaker argues that the Prime Minister should have addressed the crisis earlier. He stresses that Unionist support was crucial for Brexit and criticises the Government's handling of the situation in Northern Ireland, warning about potential implications for the Union if not resolved promptly.
He emphasised that people in Northern Ireland prioritise health, jobs, cost of living and education over the protocol. He warned about a potential crisis post next Assembly election if power sharing is abandoned. He stated pragmatism was needed but also acknowledged some special circumstances might always be necessary due to leaving the single market and customs union.
He thanked Members for their contributions but gently criticised that they strayed beyond the scope of the two amendments being debated. No specific position on the amendment was stated, only a comment about the debate's focus.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Intervened to express that people in Northern Ireland feel undervalued and unheard since 1 January 2021. He called for a commitment from the Minister to initiate Article 16 of the protocol and ensure the voice of Northern Ireland is heard.
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Assessment & feedback
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