Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions on restoring the Northern Ireland Executive have been ongoing. Previous attempts involved intensive talks between Governments and parties.
What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on restoring power sharing in Northern Ireland? In the past, successful attempts to restore power sharing involved weeks of intensive talks. Can he confirm that he will try these previously tested methods over the coming summer?
No stone will be left unturned in trying to get the Executive back up and running. Confidentiality is key in modern-day British politics for getting things done.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm use of previous methods over summer
Confidentiality
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Q2
Direct Answer
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The Windsor framework is seen as making a difference to businesses and communities in Northern Ireland trading with the rest of the UK. It has an international dimension.
Does my right hon. Friend recognise that the Windsor framework agreement has an international dimension, improving the status of the UK around the world?
Worldwide institutions and Governments have taken positive note of the Windsor framework coming to fruition. It has unlocked discussions on other important matters.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill is under scrutiny. It plans to impose immunity for terrorists against the wishes of local parties and victim groups.
Does he see the damage that imposing immunity for terrorists could do to the Union? The Government need to demonstrate that Northern Ireland remains a strong part of the UK to restore power sharing.
The Bill is being scrutinised in the House of Lords. The DUP opposes amnesty, but has a principled position since the Belfast/Good Friday agreement. The Bill will be article 2 compliant and provide information for families.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address potential damage to the Union
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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The Irish Government has requested a pause in the Bill's passage. The Secretary of State says it will be different after Lords amendments.
Will he consider giving people time to assess changes before returning to this House? It had two days of consideration and nearly five months of Committee stage.
The Bill has a long gestation period. This House will have plenty of time to consider amendments and others when the Bill returns.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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There is a need for legislation that will protect Northern Ireland's ability to trade with its biggest market, the rest of the United Kingdom.
Are the Government any closer to bringing forward such legislation? Since New Decade, New Approach at the start of 2020, we have pressed for this. The bill will be article 2 compliant.
Following further conversations with the right hon. Gentleman, I can bring forward legislation in this place that does exactly what he needs it to do for his party to be able to give a date when it will go back into the Executive.
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Q6
Partial Answer
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The Secretary of State will know that we want to see Stormont back up and running, but it is critical for us that Northern Ireland's ability to trade with its biggest market is protected.
Do we need to see free movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland reflected in practical arrangements? We have concerns about the practical outworking of proposals in the Windsor framework.
In the Command Paper on the Windsor framework, we detailed the British Government's view of how we could bring in unfettered NI to GB trade as we move forward. We need to put more flesh on that bone.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not ensure practical arrangements reflect free movement of goods
Response accuracy