Mr. Robin Walker emphasised that the Government is focused on restoring devolved government in Northern Ireland by the January deadline, discussing progress on issues such as abortion law reform and higher education provision while acknowledging challenges like transparency of political donations. He also highlighted plans for public consultations on regular payments to victims of troubles-related incidents and same-sex marriage rights.

Mr. Lloyd congratulated the Minister on his speech and raised concerns about the timing of legislation to provide safe and legal abortion services in Northern Ireland by March 31st, emphasising the need for a close working relationship between Westminster and Stormont. He also discussed the prosecution of those involved in violence during the troubles, advocating for continued efforts towards better outcomes for victims and survivors while stressing that there should be no statute of limitations protecting perpetrators from facing legal consequences. Mr. Lloyd further addressed issues such as payments to institutional abuse victims and business rate revaluations which could negatively impact small businesses.

Mr. Docherty raised the issue of Northern Irish citizens identifying as European Union citizens, referencing the DeSouza case, and called for a report promised by the previous Prime Minister to be presented in the House.

Mr. Lloyd reiterated his support for resolving the issue mentioned by Mr. Docherty regarding Northern Irish citizens as EU citizens, underlining its importance due to the Good Friday/Belfast agreement and the commitment of all parties in the House.

Mr. Lloyd then focused on health service pay disparities in Northern Ireland compared to other regions, highlighting significant wage differences for hospital porters, cleaners, nurses, and paramedics. He warned that if the Assembly is not restored soon, it would be up to the Westminster Government to address this issue due to its potential long-term impacts.

Mr. Harper welcomed the Minister's presence and expressed hope for a positive outcome in the Northern Ireland talks by next Monday's deadline. He stressed the importance of properly governing Northern Ireland through devolved government and warned that without restoring the Stormont Executive, unnecessary deaths might occur due to poor health service performance and long waiting times.

Mr. Campbell agreed with Mr. Harper's point about elections not changing the political landscape in Northern Ireland, highlighting the difficulty of expecting a change in perspective on contentious issues following an election.

People in Northern Ireland are watching closely for progress, as time is running short to restore devolved government. The absence of a functioning Government has cost people dearly and it is critical that every effort be made to secure a deal by 13 January. The Secretary of State’s suggestion of direct rule would undermine previous peace agreements. Both the EU and US Congress warn against undermining the peace process due to Brexit chaos. Recent election results in Northern Ireland show support for parties wishing to retain EU membership, making it undemocratic to impose Brexit on them. Financial help should be given to mitigate Brexit effects but must also be replicated in Scotland. There is a nurses' strike in protest of pay and staffing levels which are unsafe, highlighting the need for local decision-making. Public services are suffering due to the lack of governance.

Abortion regulations in Northern Ireland are a devolved matter that should be decided by a restored Northern Ireland Assembly, not imposed by Westminster. The 2016 vote to maintain the abortion law was ignored and new regulations must now be introduced under section 9 of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019. Concerns arise about the breadth of the consultation questions which may lead to a wider framework than required by CEDAW report, potentially allowing for abortions on request up to 24 weeks gestation contrary to devolution principles.

Raised concerns about the scope of regulations and their impact on families with Down’s syndrome children. Asked if the Minister had consulted the Don’t Screen Us Out community.

Expressed concern over proposals relating to abortion laws, requested a meeting with the Minister to discuss potential changes and their impact on devolution. Inquired about how the Government knows there has been no growth in illegal abortions since the law was repealed in Northern Ireland.

Agreed to meet Fiona Bruce, Lisa Cameron, and other concerned colleagues to discuss matters further regarding abortion regulations in Northern Ireland. Acknowledged limited time for detailed response at the end of the debate.

Made a maiden speech expressing her commitment to being a strong voice for Upper Bann and Northern Ireland, highlighted concerns over changes in abortion laws imposed without consultation. Called for repeal of section 9 to allow the Assembly to debate the issue, emphasised pro-life stance and cross-community support against abortion on grounds of disability.

Congratulates Carla Lockhart on her maiden speech and discusses the importance of local governance in Northern Ireland, emphasising the need for Stormont to be restored. He argues against direct rule as a default option and suggests that new elections could break the stalemate.

Questions Simon Hoare about the recent election results in Northern Ireland, challenging his assertion regarding the decline of support for unionism. He asks how problems might change regardless of who is elected to the Assembly.

Responds to Gregory Campbell by reiterating the importance of addressing Unionist concerns while recognising the need for new strategies. He suggests that when electors are frustrated, they will use elections as a tool to demand change and emphasises the need for politicians to find ways to restore Stormont rather than defaulting to direct rule.

Expressed concerns over the abortion consultation, highlighting issues such as lack of clarity on service providers and inspection bodies. Criticised the Northern Ireland Office for adopting an expansive interpretation of section 9 of the Act, suggesting it undermines devolution and goes beyond what is legally required. Called for reconsideration of radical proposals to respect the voices and wishes of people in Northern Ireland.

Called for an end to the ongoing political crisis, urging all parties to compromise by Monday. Highlighted the negative impacts on health services and schools due to the lack of a functioning government. Emphasised the need to avoid direct rule or joint rule from London and Dublin, advocating instead for voice in governance for both communities and minorities.

Farry emphasised the importance of shared governance in Northern Ireland, advocating for a balance that respects both Unionist and nationalist views while ensuring all traditions are represented. He expressed concern about ongoing direct rule from London and the need to include an Irish dimension in governance. Farry highlighted the urgency of restoring devolution to avoid further instability and stressed the necessity of reforms on social issues like abortion rights and same-sex marriage, arguing that these should be addressed either by a restored Assembly or through Westminster intervention if necessary.

Walker congratulated Carla Lockhart for her maiden speech and acknowledged the consensus among MPs regarding the desire to restore devolution in Northern Ireland. He addressed specific concerns raised during the debate, including those related to abortion regulations under section 9 of the Executive Formation Act, and emphasised that the UK Government is committed to legal obligations and ensuring these reforms are implemented properly. Walker also discussed issues such as historical institutional abuse redress and business rates, emphasising the importance of a restored Northern Ireland Assembly in addressing these matters.