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Northern Ireland Executive Formation
16 January 2020
Lead MP
Julian Smith
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EducationEconomyNorthern IrelandStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 28
At a Glance
Julian Smith raised concerns about northern ireland executive formation 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
The UK Government has restored devolved government in Northern Ireland after nine months of negotiations, leading to the formation of a new Executive. The 'New Decade, New Approach' deal aims at reforming institutions for better sustainability and transparency, focusing on immediate challenges such as health service issues and economic growth. A £2 billion financial package is provided over five years with stringent conditions attached to support public services and infrastructure.
Tony Lloyd
Lab
Rochdale
Welcomes the restoration of devolved government but raises concerns about specific cases such as Emma De Souza's, calls for clarity on justice issues for victims' families, questions funding adequacy for long-term pay parity in healthcare and the overall financial commitment to the 'New Decade, New Approach' programme.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
The Secretary of State emphasised that this financial deal guarantees the Executive a seat at the table as Brexit is implemented, reiterating the commitment to unfettered access for goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain. He highlighted the need for reform in revenue-raising measures and productivity.
Theresa May
11:25:00
The former Prime Minister congratulated the current Secretary of State on bringing about a successful restoration of devolved government, welcoming representatives from various Northern Ireland parties to the House. She also inquired about the implications of commitments for future UK-EU trade deals.
Kirsten Oswald
11:25:00
The SNP representative welcomed the restoration of devolved government, praising the positive impact it could have on daily lives. She asked for clarification regarding the commitment to Barnett formula funding and sought details about a new deal for Northern Ireland in light of Brexit.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
The Minister acknowledged the work done towards restoring devolved government, focusing on the establishment of an office for identity and cultural protection to promote unity among communities in Northern Ireland.
A representative from the DUP welcomed the deal as fair and balanced, highlighting commitments for veterans and the armed forces covenant. He also sought assurance on funding sustainability for devolution to be effective.
Owen Paterson
11:25:00
The MP called for a focus on health reforms as outlined in Professor Bengoa’s report, proposing that the new injection of funds should include programmes aimed at delivering more efficient healthcare outcomes.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Paid tribute to Conor McGinn's work on same-sex marriage regulations, outlined additional funding for Northern Ireland compared to other parts of the UK, confirmed a UK Budget would be announced by Chancellor, and emphasised the importance of sustainability.
East Londonderry
Welcomed the restoration of the Executive in Northern Ireland, praised efforts to establish devolved government, and stressed the need for continued local decision making and sustainable governance.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Foyle
Expressed gratitude towards the Secretary of State and Tánaiste for their efforts in restoring institutions under the Good Friday agreement, highlighted the commitment to a medical school project at Magee university campus.
Mike Penning
Lab
Hemel Hempstead
Welcomed the military covenant being implemented fully and urged the Secretary of State to protect veterans from vexatious claims.
Mike Amesbury
Lab
Worcester
Welcomed the ring-fencing of £45 million for Derry medical school but questioned the suitability of Ulster University for delivering the project.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Congratulated Julian Smith and others on restoring devolved government, expressed hope for swift delivery of reforms in Northern Ireland.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Thanked the Secretary of State for his efforts, asked about steps taken to enhance block grant funding for nurses' training and pay disputes.
Greg Clark
Con
Islington North
Congratulated Julian Smith on securing the deal, emphasised the importance of Northern Ireland taking advantage of opportunities available through UK industrial strategy.
Stephen Farry
Alliance Party
East Antrim
Stressed the need for linking new cash with reform and transformation in Northern Ireland, questioned reforms to petition of concern and its potential abuse.
Laurence Robertson
Party Unspecified
Constituency Unspecified
Asked the Secretary of State to look at how changes might be introduced in Northern Ireland, working with local parties, to ensure that disagreements do not lead to the collapse of institutions again.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Emphasised the commitments in the deal that will require legislative changes in the Assembly. He argued these would prevent a repeat of the loss of the Assembly and Executive as seen in recent years.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Expressed delight at the announcement and highlighted her support for education reform, asking the Secretary of State to commend work on integrated education.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Tributed organisations working towards education reform, confirming that there is a focus on transforming education in Northern Ireland as part of the agreement.
Jack Lopresti
Party Unspecified
Constituency Unspecified
Asked for assurance from the Secretary of State that the commitment to end vexatious prosecutions of ex-service people would not be compromised due to political expediency.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Confirmed that there is nothing in the agreement that takes away from the Prime Minister's statement about ending unfair prosecutions of veterans without new evidence.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Welcomed the announcement and acknowledged it as a start, while calling for further elaboration on the remaining work. He also welcomed positive comments from Michelle O’Neill regarding respect among political parties.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Expressed appreciation for Gregory Campbell's remarks and highlighted the need for mutual respect across different backgrounds in Northern Ireland, praising the positive atmosphere during the meeting with all parties involved.
Vicky Ford
Party Unspecified
Constituency Unspecified
Thanked the Secretary of State and expressed particular delight at the announcement for a new medical school in Derry/Londonderry, emphasising that funding should be available to all parts of the community.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Reaffirmed that the UK Government's funding package will be provided to the Executive for distribution across communities in Northern Ireland.
Martin Docherty
Party Unspecified
Constituency Unspecified
Congratulated the Secretary of State and his counterpart in Ireland on their work towards resuming the Assembly. He raised concerns about the consensual nature of the Union under the Good Friday agreement.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Referred to the Prime Minister's statements regarding the issue, without providing further comment.
Government Response
The Secretary of State responded to questions about funding by confirming the confidence and supply agreement moneys previously committed. He also highlighted that £245 million is dedicated towards transforming public services, including health reforms based on Professor Bengoa’s report. Provided responses to questions raised by other Members, confirming legislative changes, education reform focus, protection of veterans from unfair prosecutions, mutual respect among political parties, availability of funding across communities in Northern Ireland.
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