Northern Ireland Executive 2022-12-14
2022-12-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Stormont Assembly has been recalled five times since the last election but failed to elect a new Speaker. The Democratic Unionist party will not re-enter power sharing until the Northern Ireland protocol is significantly changed.
What steps his Department is taking to support the establishment of a Northern Ireland Executive. My father was one of the longest serving Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland, having served between 1992 and 1997. The protocol has created issues which we are working urgently to resolve as soon as possible.
The Government remain committed to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement and will continue to work with the Northern Ireland political parties to restore power sharing. We are working urgently to resolve issues created by the protocol as soon as possible.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether a balanced solution should be found specifically for Unionist aspirations
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Local politicians are refusing to return to Stormont, failing the people in their Province. Local leadership is needed now more than ever.
What steps my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that politicians in Northern Ireland are incentivised to retore power sharing? Will he update the House on progress of talks?
It is essential that the devolved institutions are restored as soon as possible. I am meeting all leaders this week to try to ensure we can have a constructive dialogue for reforming institutions.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific update on progress of talks
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Democratic Unionist party will not re-enter power sharing until the Northern Ireland protocol is significantly changed.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Government must find a balanced solution to the protocol, one that recognises aspirations of all communities in Northern Ireland?
The Government remain committed to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement and are working urgently to resolve issues created by the protocol. We have provided a legislative window until 19 January for talks between UK and EU.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly agree that a balanced solution is needed
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Healthcare needs ministerial guidance from directly elected locally elected decision makers working for the people.
We must all strive to see the Executive restored. It is evident that the NHS there needs ministerial guidance.
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question and point, which is correct. The Northern Ireland parties need to be in government as soon as possible to solve issues within the NHS.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific commitment on restoring Executive
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Vulnerable people need the energy help and aid now. They are not receiving the same level of energy support as rest of UK.
Encourage him and the Government on establishment of Northern Ireland Executive. Vulnerable people need energy help and aid now. Ask him to bring forward and enact Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, with no more delays.
Energy policy is a devolved matter with responsibility normally resting with the Northern Ireland Executive. Significant difficulties in how energy companies deliver this support exist, and Government are examining other options.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to bringing forward Protocol Bill
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Nurses across Northern Ireland, England and Wales are planning to take strike action tomorrow. Scottish Government involvement averted this situation.
What role is the Secretary of State playing in bringing resolution to this situation? What assurances can he give that his ministerial team is adopting a constructive approach?
We recently set a budget for Northern Ireland. Negotiations are being facilitated by British Government Ministers, but employers in Northern Ireland will be making final negotiations.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide assurances of constructive approach
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from a BBC 'Spotlight' programme that highlights the activities of loan sharks and paramilitaries in Northern Ireland, affecting vulnerable people who are awaiting financial assistance for fuel costs. The MP echoes comments made by another member regarding this issue.
At the time of a cost of living crisis, clearly, too many people are feeling the adverse effect of the absence of Stormont. I urge my right hon. Friend to give peace of mind to those who are most in need and sort out this pressing issue by Christmas so that people have that peace of mind and can try to enjoy the festive period.
I am fully aware of the activities of paramilitary lenders. There have been dozens of meetings between various Secretaries of State, energy companies and a whole host of others to try to get this matter solved. The British Government is concentrating on this one issue with significant energy and wants to crack this nut in the timeframe suggested.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask regarding solving financial issues by Christmas was not addressed directly; commitment was made but without a concrete timeline or action plan.
Response accuracy