Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Belfast Agreement: Human Rights

Wednesday 22 March 2023 · 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

  • Ellie Reeves questioned the Minister about discussions on human rights commitments in the Belfast Agreement.
  • The Minister responded that the UK Government are committed to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and its institutions.
  • The Minister stated that the proposed Bill of Rights would not be a breach of the Good Friday Agreement, contrary to Labour's position.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Northern Ireland Standards & Ethics
Context

The question addresses discussions around human rights provisions within the Good Friday Agreement, specifically concerning the UK Government's commitment to these rights.

Question

What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on human rights commitments in the Belfast agreement?

Answer from Steven Baker

The UK Government are steadfastly committed to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and the institutions and rights established by it. We recognise the importance of the right safeguards and equality of opportunity provisions within the agreement to the people of Northern Ireland, and the Secretary of State discusses the subject regularly with Cabinet colleagues.

Answered
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Q2 Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Northern Ireland Democracy & Elections
Context

The question pertains to the potential conflict between the Tories' proposed Bill of Rights and the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, suggesting it could undermine human rights.

Question

Does he recognise that the Tories' Bill of Rights would be a breach of an international agreement, specifically the Good Friday Agreement?

Answer from Steven Baker

No, not at all. I confess that I thought the hon. Lady was going to ask me about the Bill of Rights provisions in the agreement itself, but she ought to know that the parties have been working together towards that Bill of Rights and it will need consensus to deliver a framework in Northern Ireland. Of course the UK continues to be committed to the ECHR.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Whether the proposed Bill of Rights breaches the Good Friday Agreement

How: I Confess That I Thought The Hon. Lady Was Going To Ask Me About The Bill Of Rights Provisions In The Agreement Itself

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