Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

“New Decade, New Approach” Deal

Wednesday 20 January 2021 · 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 3 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Good progress has been made in implementing the "New Decade, New Approach" deal, with over 550 million of 2 billion funding released.
  • The UK Government remains committed to bringing forward legislation within 100 days to address legacy issues from the troubles.
  • The Secretary of State will continue to work closely with Northern Ireland Executive to ensure smooth trade flow under the Northern Ireland protocol.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Scott Benton
Northern Ireland
Context

The MP questioned the effectiveness and progress of implementing the 'New Decade, New Approach' agreement amidst challenges posed by the public health crisis.

Question

What assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the implementation of the New Decade, New Approach deal. Despite ongoing challenges, what specific milestones have been achieved?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

Good progress has been made in implementing the “New Decade, New Approach” deal. The Government have released over £550 million of the £2 billion funding agreed. That has already delivered multiple commitments including appointing a veterans commissioner, launching the shared history fund, and establishing governance structures for NDNA.

Answered
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Q2 Scott Benton
Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

The MP raised concerns about the delays in bringing forward proposals to address legacy issues as promised, due to the current pandemic.

Question

The Government made a commitment last January to introduce legislation within 100 days to address legacy issues. With inevitable delays caused by the pandemic, can my right hon Friend confirm that the Government are still committed to bringing forward legacy proposals? The MP asked for confirmation of this commitment despite delays and expressed concern among veterans.

Answer from Brandon Lewis

Absolutely. We will bring forward legislation to address the legacy of the troubles in a way that focuses on reconciliation, delivers for victims, ends the cycle of investigations and unwarranted vexatious claims against former British soldiers. These proposals will deliver on our commitment to Northern Ireland veterans.

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Q3 Jeffrey M. Donaldson DUP
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The MP expressed concern about difficulties caused by the Northern Ireland protocol for consumers and businesses in Northern Ireland, citing paragraph 11 of annex A committing the UK Government to negotiate flexible arrangements.

Question

Paragraph 11 of annex A commits the UK Government to negotiating flexible arrangements for trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland under the Northern Ireland protocol. Despite challenges seen recently, what specific actions will the Secretary of State take to resolve these issues?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

We will continue to work closely with him and his colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure smooth trade flow. The grace periods are working well, goods are moving, and we are taking a pragmatic approach in maintaining Northern Ireland's place in the UK internal market.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions not provided; only general assurances given

How: Working Closely With Him, Pragmatic And Proportionate Approach

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Q4 Jeffrey M. Donaldson DUP
Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

The MP asked for assurance regarding the full implementation of the armed forces covenant in Northern Ireland when the armed forces Bill comes forward, as a commitment from NDNA.

Question

There is another aspect of New Decade, New Approach that requires Government commitment: full implementation of the armed forces covenant in Northern Ireland. When the armed forces Bill comes forward, will the Secretary of State assure me that Northern Ireland will be treated on exactly the same basis as the rest of the UK?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

Yes. Further strengthening of the armed forces covenant in law is a commitment, and we are determined to deliver it by ensuring no former member of UK armed forces is disadvantaged as a result of their service, with full implementation across the UK.

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