Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The ongoing political situation in Northern Ireland requires regular engagement and discussions among parties to maintain stability.
What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on power sharing in Northern Ireland. He engages regularly with the Northern Ireland parties, speaking to all Executive party leaders this morning, but wants to know if these discussions have been shared with other Cabinet members.
I engage regularly with the Northern Ireland parties—indeed, I spoke to all the Executive party leaders only this morning—and I will continue to keep my Cabinet colleagues fully apprised of those discussions.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State previously stated he would call an election but did not follow through, leaving Northern Ireland in political uncertainty.
Reports suggest the Secretary of State was overruled by the Prime Minister. Is that true? He referenced a statement made to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee about calling an election at one minute past midnight on 28 October, which did not happen and left the situation unresolved. He asks if this non-occurrence is due to direct overruling or misleading of the committee.
I do not believe that I was overruled by the Prime Minister.
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Assessment & feedback
Clarification on misleading the committee
Did Not Address The Accusation Of Misleading
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly discussed issues related to the protocol in Northern Ireland, urging for an agreement between the Government and European Commission.
He commends the Secretary of State on initiating talks but encourages him to reach a decision. Voices from across Europe raised concerns about the situation in Northern Ireland during the assembly discussions, stressing that reaching an agreement is essential for further cooperation on various issues.
I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for the work he does in the Assembly. It is a vital new institution, which has deep roots in the European Parliament as well as this Parliament, and it will add great value to our discussions.
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Assessment & feedback
Finalizing decision on Northern Ireland protocol issue
Discussed Assembly'S Importance Instead Of Addressing Specific Issue
Response accuracy