Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Northern Ireland: 100-Year Anniversary

Wednesday 30 September 2020 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Prime Minister visited Northern Ireland and announced the establishment of a centenary forum and historical advisory panel.
  • Next year marks an opportunity to celebrate Northern Ireland's future, diverse people, business, and culture.
  • The proposal for a commemorative coin to mark Northern Ireland's 100th anniversary is a matter for the Treasury.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Marco Longhi
Northern Ireland
Context

The question arises from the upcoming 100-year anniversary of Northern Ireland and its significance for marking historical milestones.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to mark the 100-year anniversary of Northern Ireland?

Answer from Robin Walker

In August, the Prime Minister visited Northern Ireland, announcing the establishment of a centenary forum and centenary historical advisory panel, ensuring that we listen to diverse perspectives as we create a bold and ambitious centenary programme. As well as being the centenary of Northern Ireland, it is also the centenary of the United Kingdom as we know it today. We are committed to delivering our programme that will allow the public to engage with the history of the centenary while supporting Northern Ireland businesses, its tourism industry and promoting Northern Ireland on the world stage.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about initiatives or programmes were not provided. Instead, general commitments were made.

How: Under Review, General Commitment

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Q2 Marco Longhi
Northern Ireland
Context

The question is in response to the Prime Minister's visit and announcement of a centenary forum, aiming to explore how these initiatives can be used to look towards Northern Ireland's future.

Question

Does my hon. Friend agree that next year's important anniversary for the UK as we know it today is also a fantastic opportunity to mark Northern Ireland's future, its diverse people, business and culture?

Answer from Robin Walker

My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and it is an opportunity to look ahead towards a bright and prosperous future for Northern Ireland. It is a chance for people across the British Isles and abroad to celebrate the progress made while showcasing the people and places that I have so enjoyed getting to know since my appointment last year.

Not addressed: No specific actions or initiatives were mentioned, only general optimism about Northern Ireland's future.

How: Future Looking, General Commitment

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Q3 Ian Paisley Jnr DUP
Northern Ireland
Context

The question stems from a written proposal to the Treasury about creating a commemorative coin for Northern Ireland's centennial year, aiming to understand progress and intentions.

Question

The Minister will be aware that I put a written proposal to the Treasury about a commemorative celebratory coin for Northern Ireland in its 100th anniversary year. Perhaps the Minister would take the opportunity to elaborate on what progress has been made on that celebratory coin for our nation, and will he elaborate on what the Treasury has told me, which is that the Government will use this opportunity to promote Northern Ireland on the world stage and celebrate its people, culture, traditions and enterprise because we have made such a vital contribution to this United Kingdom?

Answer from Robin Walker

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman and I are in firm agreement that we should mark this historical centenary in a way that facilitates national recognition and international awareness. Specifically regarding a commemorative coin, this is a matter for the Treasury. It is a proposal that I have shared with ministerial colleagues previously, and I am very happy to explore it with them further. On the international dimension, he is absolutely right. We will be working with the Department for International Trade and our colleagues at the Foreign Office to ensure that promoting Northern Ireland around the world is an opportunity that is taken during this centenary.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific progress or timeline was provided for creating a commemorative coin, only general statements about exploring it further.

How: Under Review, General Commitment

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