Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Public Services

Wednesday 8 February 2023 · 5 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government are providing the largest funding settlement to the Northern Ireland Executive since devolution through the 15 billion block grant.
  • The Northern Ireland Department of Justice received a 3.1% budget uplift to 1.18 billion, including 32 million additional security funding for PSNI.
  • The Government remain committed to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement, which includes a commitment to the convention.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Cunningham Lab
Northern Ireland
Context

The question arises from the lack of a devolved government and the necessity for central government support. The context includes a £15 billion block grant provided to address this situation.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help support public services in Northern Ireland, given the largest funding settlement since devolution through a £15 billion block grant?

Answer from Steven Baker

The Government are providing the largest funding settlement to the Northern Ireland Executive since devolution through the £15 billion block grant. In the absence of an Executive, we have stepped in to set a Budget and provide millions for public service transformation through New Decade, New Approach.

Answered
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Q2 Alex Cunningham Lab
Justice & Courts Northern Ireland
Context

The Police Service of Northern Ireland announced plans to reduce police officer numbers by 309, raising concerns about the adequacy of funding for counter-terrorism efforts as per New Decade, New Approach.

Question

Does the Minister agree that cutting PSNI officer numbers represents a failure to uphold the NDNA commitment to ensure appropriate resourcing for terrorism and paramilitary activity?

Answer from Steven Baker

The Northern Ireland Department of Justice received a 3.1% budget uplift to £1.18 billion, including £32 million additional security funding for PSNI to tackle terrorism without compromising day-to-day policing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Whether the reduction in police officers undermines NDNA's anti-terrorism funding commitment

How: This Is A Most Serious Issue.

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Q3 Peter Kyle Lab Hove and Portslade
Policing & Resources Northern Ireland Standards & Ethics
Context

The European Convention on Human Rights plays a crucial role in the policing of Northern Ireland, raising concerns about potential disruptions to this relationship.

Question

Will the Minister assure the House that the Government will do nothing to disrupt the unique relationship between ECHR and Northern Ireland policing?

Answer from Steven Baker

The Government remain committed to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement, which includes a commitment to the convention. The hon Gentleman knows perfectly well that there is such a commitment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assurance about not disrupting ECHR-Northern Ireland relationship

How: The Hon Gentlemen Knows Perfectly Well...

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Q4 Peter Kyle Lab Hove and Portslade
Migrants & Borders Northern Ireland
Context

Several Cabinet members have pledged to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights, raising concerns about compliance with the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.

Question

Will he tell the House once and for all that withdrawing from ECHR would break the terms of the Good Friday agreement?

Answer from Steven Baker

We remain committed to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement but also need to address humanitarian issues like boats crossing the channel. The Home Secretary will lead on finding solutions.

Not addressed: Whether withdrawal from ECHR breaches Good Friday Agreement

How: We Remain Committed... Tricky Issue

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Q5 Richard Thomson
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

The UK Government have not provided additional resources for NHS pay negotiations, despite their unique position to do so. There is a £660 million funding gap.

Question

What representations has the Minister made or will he make to colleagues to unlock that resource and reach quicker pay settlements for the NHS in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Steven Baker

We have set a budget covering a £660 million funding gap and issued guidance to permanent secretaries. We expect the Northern Ireland Executive to return and address this challenge.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete steps towards unlocking resources for NHS pay settlements

How: We Have Set A Budget... Return

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