Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Good Friday Agreement: Implementation

Wednesday 2 December 2020 · 4 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government remains committed to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement and supports the restored Northern Ireland Assembly under "New Decade, New Approach".
  • Violence and threats by loyalist paramilitary groups are condemned by the Government.
  • The UK is investing about 20 billion in Northern Ireland this year to support economic development and growth.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alison McGovern Lab Birkenhead
Northern Ireland
Context

The question relates to the full implementation and future security of the Good Friday Agreement, now marking its 21st anniversary. The agreement has facilitated economic and social ties between Northern Ireland and Merseyside.

Question

What steps is he taking to help ensure the full implementation of the Good Friday agreement? The Good Friday agreement comes of age today as it became effective 21 years ago, providing a platform for the development of excellent economic and social relationships between Northern Ireland and Merseyside. What conversations has the Secretary of State had to ensure that nothing that happens in the next month puts that progress at risk?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

The Government remain steadfast in our commitment to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement, supporting the Northern Ireland Assembly restored this year under 'New Decade, New Approach'. The UK Internal Market Bill ensures businesses in Northern Ireland continue trading unfettered within the United Kingdom. I hope she will support the Bill.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The conversations had to ensure future security of economic and social ties were not addressed.

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Q2 Alison McGovern Lab Birkenhead
Northern Ireland Community Security
Context

Three journalists received violent threats from loyalist paramilitaries last week. The BBC reported that loyalist paramilitary groups have 12,500 members and more dissident groups than during the troubles.

Question

Last week alone, three journalists were issued with violent threats by loyalist paramilitaries. The BBC has seen evidence that loyalist paramilitary groups have over 12,500 members, and there are more dissident groups than during the troubles. Does the Secretary of State agree that a toxic combination of deprivation and a failure to deal with the legacy of the past has created a fertile breeding ground for paramilitary groups?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

There is no place for violence or threats, and arguing that it is acceptable because of other issues is a fallacy. We are making huge investments with about £20 billion for the Northern Ireland Executive this year, including city and growth deals to ensure levelling up.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The reasons behind the rise in paramilitary groups were not directly addressed.

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Q3 Louise Haigh Lab Sheffield Heeley
Northern Ireland
Context

The Secretary of State stated he had ceased engaging on legacy issues at the request of victims' groups. However, WAVE Trauma Centre expressed serious concerns about his lack of engagement.

Question

On Monday, the Secretary of State told the House that he had ceased engaging on legacy issues at the request of victims groups, but knows that the largest cross-community victims group in Northern Ireland, WAVE Trauma Centre, has expressed serious concerns at his lack of engagement and described him as “dangerously deluded”. Can he confirm to the House exactly when he will meet those at the WAVE Trauma Centre and present an update on legacy proposals?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

WAVE group asked for a pause in March due to focus on covid. Action on legacy is important, but must be done with support from Northern Ireland, Irish Government, US, and political parties.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific meeting date was not confirmed.

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Q4 Louise Haigh Lab Sheffield Heeley
Northern Ireland
Context

The question relates to the full implementation and future security of the Good Friday Agreement, now marking its 21st anniversary. The agreement has facilitated economic and social ties between Northern Ireland and Merseyside.

Question

What steps is he taking to help ensure the full implementation of the Good Friday agreement? What conversations has the Secretary of State had to ensure that nothing that happens in the next month puts that progress at risk?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

The Government remain steadfast in our commitment to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement, supporting the Northern Ireland Assembly restored this year under 'New Decade, New Approach'. The UK Internal Market Bill ensures businesses in Northern Ireland continue trading unfettered within the United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The conversations had to ensure future security of economic and social ties were not addressed.

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How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)