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Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill - The entire bill is being debated.
22 June 2021
Lead MP
Brandon Lewis
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Northern IrelandDemocracy & ElectionsStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 28
At a Glance
Brandon Lewis raised concerns about northern ireland (ministers, elections and petitions of concern) bill - the entire bill is being debated. 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
I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. The United Kingdom Government believes in upholding the constitutional integrity of Northern Ireland and ensuring its institutions work well, particularly after three years of political impasse. This Bill will strengthen the democratic institutions of Northern Ireland by extending ministerial appointment periods and reforming the petition of concern mechanism to reduce its use. It includes reforms to sustainability of institutions, updating the ministerial code of conduct, and providing more time for discussions between parties. The Government are committed to delivering on their promises but ultimately it is up to the political parties in Northern Ireland to deliver on their commitments under New Decade, New Approach agreement.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Questions the Secretary of State's interference in Northern Irish institutions and expresses anger among Unionist community due to continual intervention by UK Government at Stormont. He criticises the UK Government for interfering in a way that no Secretary of State would dare do in Scotland or Wales.
Mark Harper
Con
Forest of Dean
Asks whether assurances were given to Mr Edwin Poots about changes to the Northern Ireland protocol. Asks for an update on the timing and progress of legacy commitments made in New Decade, New Approach deal.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Foyle
Warns against giving amnesty to soldiers involved in Troubles as it would necessitate giving amnesty to IRA members and other paramilitaries. Emphasises the need for balanced treatment of all parties involved.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Clarifies that no one has sought an amnesty for soldiers, but rather seeks to prevent further re-investigations after cases have already been investigated multiple times.
Stephen Farry
Alliance
North Down
Stresses the need for political parties in Northern Ireland to act responsibly and deliver on core issues of health, education, and jobs. Urges all parties to avoid threats that could lead to collapse of institutions.
Louise Haigh
Lab
Sheffield Heeley
We support attempts to safeguard power sharing and improve Executive sustainability but criticise the delay in bringing forward the Bill. Northern Ireland has often been an afterthought for the Government, and instability is partly a result of decisions taken by Ministers. We believe there are missed opportunities for delivering on peace promises under New Decade, New Approach and will seek amendments to push for full implementation. Labour also seeks to tighten up provisions regarding caretaker institutions to prevent misuse and promote good governance.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Welcomes the bill, noting its non-emergency nature and importance in addressing devolution issues. Supports changes to the petition of concern process, advocating for a fully functioning Stormont. Emphasises the need for adherence to New Decade, New Approach as a complete package.
Richard Thomson
SNP
Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath
Congratulates the leader of the DUP on his elevation, acknowledges the importance of the Bill in delivering New Decade, New Approach commitments, draws parallels with Scottish devolution experiences, emphasises the need for political space and transparency, supports the measures to enhance accountability and stability within Northern Ireland's institutions.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Pays tribute to MLAs and the Executive for their role during the coronavirus crisis, highlights the positive work done by the current group of people on infrastructure, climate change, and financial stability, emphasises that cultural components of NDNA should be a final resort and left to the Assembly, clarifies there is no Irish language Act in NDNA but rather carefully nuanced provisions.
Paul Girvan
DUP
Lagan Valley
Intervened to highlight that media and political pundits continue to claim there is an Irish language Act in NDNA, emphasises lack of confidence given to the Unionist community by recent Government actions.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Foyle
Intervened to seek confirmation that Sinn Féin did not negotiate an Irish language Act, and to understand the DUP's role in NDNA negotiations.
Ian Paisley Jnr
DUP
North Antrim
Intervened to ask Julian Smith about his previous commitment regarding the protocol being 'light touch' and expressed concern over commercial discrimination in Northern Ireland.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Supports the bill's second reading, arguing it is not a Unionist game but an attempt to prevent instability in Northern Ireland. Criticises Secretary of State for undermining devolution by caving into Sinn Féin threats and allowing them to dictate terms without accountability. Questions whether the Bill truly sustains devolution if one party can hold others hostage with demands for cultural aspects of New Decade, New Approach.
Mark Harper
Con
Farnham
Supports the measures in the Bill but advises caution on extending time periods too far, as it may lead to drift and indecision. Reflects on the importance of reflecting current rules governing Northern Ireland institutions for a considerable period of time. Emphasises the need for devolved matters to be handled by the devolved institutions, arguing that accountability is crucial for sustainable democratic governance in Northern Ireland.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Foyle
Eastwood supports the Bill despite not liking much of its content, arguing that it is necessary due to parties like Sinn Féin bringing down the government institutions. He emphasises the importance of delivering on agreements made in New Decade, New Approach and criticises the DUP for focusing on issues like the protocol instead of addressing pressing matters such as waiting lists and housing shortages.
Stephen Farry
Alliance
South Antrim
Supports the Bill as it is about putting into practice governance aspects of New Decade, New Approach agreement. He also mentions that there could be areas to clarify and improve in the agreement. Emphasises the importance of trust among political actors for sustaining devolution. Discusses the impact of Brexit and protocol on Northern Ireland's stability, suggesting practical solutions such as a temporary veterinary agreement. Critiques the democratic deficit created by Brexit and calls for Westminster intervention if necessary. Highlights issues around language and culture that need timely resolution to maintain devolution integrity. Expresses concern over the current designation system which is seen as anti-democratic and divisive. Supports strengthening of ministerial code in Northern Ireland and reforming petitions of concern, though sceptical about whether it goes far enough. Criticises the U-turn on legacy issues from Stormont House agreement.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrin
[INTERVENTION] Questions Farry about commercial impact of the protocol and concerns that devolved laws and regulations will be made in Brussels instead of Northern Ireland Assembly.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Supports the measures in the Bill, criticises the government's handling of Brexit and its impact on Northern Ireland. Highlights the importance of avoiding direct rule and the need for political stability. Calls for a temporary veterinary agreement to address immediate concerns. Emphasises that devolution is essential for democratic progress and that the Good Friday Agreement aimed at fostering normal politics in the long term.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Lockhart criticises the Government for prioritising cultural policies over health, economy, and education in Northern Ireland. She argues that Sinn Féin's refusal to share power led to a three-year crisis but that the government’s recent actions have set a dangerous precedent by rewarding such behaviour. Lockhart is concerned about the sustainability of political institutions in Northern Ireland due to delays in introducing necessary legislation. She highlights the lack of progress on other priorities outlined in New Decade, New Approach and expresses dissatisfaction with the Government's breach of the Sewel convention.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Robinson emphasised the importance of a range of voices from Northern Ireland in Parliament. He agreed with the progress made by the Bill and acknowledged it as non-emergency legislation, contrasting it with previous rushed processes. He supported the need for continued engagement between parties and criticised the retrograde commitment made last week regarding New Decade, New Approach (NDNA). Robinson stressed that devolution will only succeed if political parties work together rather than relying on external support from other governments. He also discussed challenges related to the Northern Ireland protocol, highlighting issues with medicines availability and the need for comprehensive solutions beyond veterinary checks.
Farry intervened briefly to acknowledge Robinson's points about medicines but urged his party (DUP) to join other Northern Irish parties in calling for progress on veterinary agreement, arguing it could make significant differences despite not addressing all issues.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
Endorses the proposal to include a veterinary agreement in Northern Ireland, highlights the positive impact of striking healthcare workers on restoring Stormont, and emphasises the need for delivery on New Decade, New Approach policy commitments. She discusses the importance of mutual justice and respect, criticises withholding legislation as a bargaining chip, and proposes that the Government should legislate over the head to support language rights. She also critiques the DUP's failure to share power and their resistance in passing the 'Blue Peter' Bill.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Expresses great concern about Northern Ireland issues, criticises backroom dealings regarding Irish language aspect of New Decade, New Approach deal. Questions why promises have been made without transparency. Argues that actions are making people question their British identity and ties to UK due to protocol and recent events. Highlights health waiting lists and education funding needs as priorities over the Irish language agenda.
Pontypridd
Supports provisions in the bill to safeguard power sharing and improve stability but notes delays due to lack of urgency from Ministers. She highlights the need for greater clarity on caretaker Executive powers, sustainability of decision-making, equality duties, and good governance.
Robin Walker
Con
Dorset West
Welcomed support for the Second Reading of the Bill, recognised that there are issues to explore in Committee. Noted that the Bill implements aspects of the New Decade, New Approach deal agreed upon by Northern Ireland parties. Emphasised progress made on delivery of commitments under NDNA, including securing an advanced drawdown of funding and revising immigration rules. Rebutted concerns about caretaker Ministers, stating they will operate within defined limits set out in the ministerial code. Acknowledged frustration over language issues but stated it is best dealt with by devolved institutions.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Foyle
Asked why not address cultural issues now if the DUP will not support a quick timeframe in the Assembly, questioning delay.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Asked why cultural issues are prioritised over dealing with reforms in the health service and reducing waiting lists, questioned Minister's priorities.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Stated that 100% of people in Northern Ireland want the health issue, education, policing sorted out and only 5% speak Irish, questioned prioritisation.
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