Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

The Union

Wednesday 2 September 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK Government is committed to strengthening the Union between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
  • Elliot Colburn welcomed today's news on same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.
  • The Northern Ireland Office plans to commemorate the centenary of the creation of Northern Ireland as a significant national anniversary.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Elliot Colburn Con Carshalton and Wallington
Northern Ireland
Context

The question addresses steps taken by the government to support the union, particularly in light of recent political events.

Question

What specific steps is the Government taking to strengthen the Union between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK?

Answer from Robin Walker (Minister for Faith Communities)

The UK Government will never be neutral in expressing our unequivocal support for the Union. We are committed to strengthening the link between our four great nations, levelling up the whole country. That is why the Prime Minister has created a Cabinet committee on Union policy implementation. Our commitment to Northern Ireland is demonstrated in the £2.2 billion we have provided to help fight coronavirus, including an extra £300 million announced at the summer economic update.

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Q2 Elliot Colburn Con Carshalton and Wallington
Northern Ireland
Context

The question includes congratulations on recent news about same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland, as well as a reference to the upcoming centenary of Northern Ireland's creation.

Question

May I begin by welcoming today's news on same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland? Carshalton and Wallington residents have noticed that next year will be the centenary of the creation of Northern Ireland, so what plans does the Northern Ireland Office have to commemorate the United Kingdom as we know it today?

Answer from Robin Walker (Minister for Faith Communities)

I agree with my hon. Friend on both points. This centenary represents a significant national anniversary. In the new decade, new approach deal, the Government recognised that the centenary provided an opportunity to reflect on the past as well as to build for the future in Northern Ireland across the UK and internationally. We are committed to facilitating national recognition and international awareness of the centenary. On his recent visit to Northern Ireland, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of a centenary forum and a centenary historical advisory panel. This approach will offer us the opportunity to work with a broad spectrum of people to deliver an ambitious and exciting programme of events to mark this important national anniversary. Further details about the centenary programme will be set out in the autumn.

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