Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Sentencing for Terrorist Offences: Northern Ireland Executive

Tuesday 8 February 2022 · 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 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Theresa Villiers asked about recent discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on sentencing for terrorist offences.
  • The Minister responded that there have been no recent discussions on sentencing for terrorist offences, noting that sentencing is a devolved matter.
  • Theresa Villiers asked the Minister to work with the Northern Ireland Justice Minister to address the problem of holding accountable those using violence for political ends.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Theresa Villiers Con
Justice & Courts Northern Ireland
Context

The speaker is inquiring about recent discussions on the sentencing of individuals involved in terrorism, a matter that falls under devolved jurisdiction.

Question

What recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on sentencing for terrorist offences?

Answer from James Cartlidge

I have had no recent discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on sentencing for terrorist offences. While sentencing is a devolved matter, the Department continues to engage in discussions with the Department of Justice on devolved matters where helpful and relevant.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No recent discussions regarding sentencing for terrorist offences were reported despite it being an important issue.

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Q2 Theresa Villiers Con
Justice & Courts Northern Ireland
Context

The speaker is concerned about the excessive delays in the criminal justice system affecting the conviction of terrorism-related cases, which undermines efforts to hold offenders accountable.

Question

Will the Minister work with the Northern Ireland Justice Minister to try to address this problem, so that we can hold to account those who still seek to use violence to achieve political ends in Northern Ireland?

Answer from James Cartlidge

My right hon. Friend speaks with great expertise on these matters. She will be aware that justice and policing are devolved matters, and the Northern Ireland Executive recently reaffirmed their commitment to speeding up the criminal justice system in the New Decade, New Approach agreement. At the end of last year, the Northern Ireland Assembly passed the Criminal Justice (Committal Reform) Bill, which contains measures that will simplify the current system, remove some avoidable delays and ensure the quicker progression to court of some of the most serious cases. I welcome this significant step forward in reforming the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland.

Answered
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