Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Benefits of the Union

Wednesday 9 November 2022 · 7 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial assessment indicates the United Kingdom is crucial for Northern Ireland's prosperity.
  • Government is working on the Northern Ireland protocol issues through dialogue and legislation.
  • Government reaffirms commitment to the principle of consent and the Belfast/Good Friday agreement.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kevin Foster Con
Northern Ireland
Context

The MP inquires about the benefits of being part of the United Kingdom, especially economic and political.

Question

What recent assessment has been made on the benefits of the Union for people in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Steven Baker

We believe that the United Kingdom is the most successful political and economic union in history, and the Government are committed to ensuring that Northern Ireland may flourish and prosper as an integral part of it. That is why we are continuing to work tirelessly for Northern Ireland's people to restore the Executive, support the roll-out of our energy support package and unleash the full potential of the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday agreement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked about specific recent assessments but the answer provided general statements on the benefits without referencing any concrete studies or reports.

How: General Statements

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Q2 Kevin Foster Con
Northern Ireland
Context

The MP addresses issues related to the Northern Ireland protocol which may hinder trade and economic activity.

Question

I am sure that your assessment will have shown one of the key benefits of the Union for people in Northern Ireland is the ability to trade with the rest of the UK. What progress are you making in fixing problems with the Northern Ireland protocol, which might hamper this ability?

Answer from Steven Baker

The Government are engaging in constructive dialogue with the European Union to find solutions to the problems that the protocol is causing. We are also proceeding with the legislation before the House, which aims to fix the problems in the event that we cannot reach a negotiated solution. Of course, it is the Government's preference to reach a negotiated outcome.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked for specifics on progress made but received general statements about ongoing dialogue and legislative process without concrete actions or timelines.

How: Constructive Dialogue, Legislative Process

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Q3 Claire Hanna Social Democratic & Labour Party Belfast South and Mid Down
Northern Ireland
Context

The MP inquires about the Government's stance on unpicking the principle of consent as outlined in the Belfast/Good Friday agreement.

Question

The Social Democratic and Labour party seeks to build a new Ireland by persuasion and consent, but the rational mechanism for constitutional change is set out in the 1998 agreement. Will you confirm that the Government have no intention of unpicking the principle of consent?

Answer from Steven Baker

Absolutely. The Government are fully committed to the principle of consent and the Belfast/Good Friday agreement. Indeed, our actions are all guided by that full commitment to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement and its protection.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q4 Peter Kyle Lab Hove and Portslade
Northern Ireland Energy
Context

The MP raises concerns about the support being provided to households in Northern Ireland, where two-thirds use heating oil.

Question

Everyone was supposed to get the same support this winter but two thirds of homes in Northern Ireland are heated by heating oil. Can you tell us precisely when they will receive their support?

Answer from Steven Baker

We look forward to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy making a statement, but I will just take this opportunity to put on record that households in Northern Ireland will benefit from: the energy price guarantee, reducing the per unit cost of electricity and gas; the energy bill support scheme, a £400 payment to all households; the alternative fuel payment, a £100 payment to households not using gas in Northern Ireland. The hon. Gentleman is perfectly right that people are anxious but I regret that today I cannot give an exact date.

Not addressed: The MP asked for an exact date or timeline, and the answer only provided a general statement about looking forward to BEIS making a statement without concrete information.

How: Look Forward, Beis Statement

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Q5 Peter Kyle Lab Hove and Portslade
Energy
Context

The MP emphasizes the urgency of providing support for heating oil users in Northern Ireland who have seen their costs rise steeply.

Question

I hope your colleagues will encourage BEIS, because it is already winter and 60% of homes are heated by heating oil. Does he think it's fair that both are getting the same £100 payment?

Answer from Steven Baker

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have taken that up with our counterparts in BEIS. We do so frequently and intensively. My right hon. Friend has just said to me that he met the energy Minister on Thursday. We will continue to press colleagues in BEIS.

Not addressed: The MP asked if it was fair, but received an answer focused on ongoing discussions with BEIS rather than a substantive response about fairness or plans for adjustment.

How: Pressing Beis

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Q6 Jeffrey M. Donaldson DUP
Northern Ireland Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The MP raises legal and constitutional concerns regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol and Article 6 of the Act of Union.

Question

Will the Government strive to restore full rights under article 6 of the Act of Union in any negotiations with the EU?

Answer from Steven Baker

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for the opportunity to commit that, yes, the Government are determined to restore the constitutional position of Northern Ireland fully within the United Kingdom. That is our intention.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q7 Jeffrey M. Donaldson DUP
Northern Ireland Energy
Context

The MP urges the Minister to continue efforts with BEIS to ensure timely allocation of energy support payments.

Question

Will you assure me that he will continue his efforts with us to ensure that the £400 payment is made to the people of Northern Ireland as soon as possible?

Answer from Steven Baker

We certainly will continue those efforts together. I am grateful for the right hon. Gentleman meeting the Business Secretary. If a functioning Executive were in place, matters would be somewhat easier.

Not addressed: The MP asked about continuing efforts but received an answer noting that progress would be smoother with a functioning executive rather than concrete commitments to continue efforts.

How: Functioning Executive

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