Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Power Sharing

Wednesday 21 June 2023 · 6 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions on restoring power sharing in Northern Ireland are ongoing, with confidentiality emphasized.
  • The Windsor framework agreement is noted for its positive international reception and role in unlocking other discussions.
  • The Government faces scrutiny on the Bill regarding immunity for terrorists, with the DUP's position being considered in the House of Lords.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Northern Ireland
Context

Discussions on restoring the Northern Ireland Executive have been ongoing. Previous attempts involved intensive talks between Governments and parties.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on restoring power sharing in Northern Ireland? In the past, successful attempts to restore power sharing involved weeks of intensive talks. Can he confirm that he will try these previously tested methods over the coming summer?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

No stone will be left unturned in trying to get the Executive back up and running. Confidentiality is key in modern-day British politics for getting things done.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm use of previous methods over summer

How: Confidentiality

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Q2 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Brexit
Context

The Windsor framework is seen as making a difference to businesses and communities in Northern Ireland trading with the rest of the UK. It has an international dimension.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend recognise that the Windsor framework agreement has an international dimension, improving the status of the UK around the world?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

Worldwide institutions and Governments have taken positive note of the Windsor framework coming to fruition. It has unlocked discussions on other important matters.

Answered
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Q3 Alun Cairns Con
Northern Ireland
Context

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill is under scrutiny. It plans to impose immunity for terrorists against the wishes of local parties and victim groups.

Question

Does he see the damage that imposing immunity for terrorists could do to the Union? The Government need to demonstrate that Northern Ireland remains a strong part of the UK to restore power sharing.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The Bill is being scrutinised in the House of Lords. The DUP opposes amnesty, but has a principled position since the Belfast/Good Friday agreement. The Bill will be article 2 compliant and provide information for families.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address potential damage to the Union

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Q4 Peter Kyle Lab Hove and Portslade
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The Irish Government has requested a pause in the Bill's passage. The Secretary of State says it will be different after Lords amendments.

Question

Will he consider giving people time to assess changes before returning to this House? It had two days of consideration and nearly five months of Committee stage.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The Bill has a long gestation period. This House will have plenty of time to consider amendments and others when the Bill returns.

Answered
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Q5 Peter Kyle Lab Hove and Portslade
Northern Ireland
Context

There is a need for legislation that will protect Northern Ireland's ability to trade with its biggest market, the rest of the United Kingdom.

Question

Are the Government any closer to bringing forward such legislation? Since New Decade, New Approach at the start of 2020, we have pressed for this. The bill will be article 2 compliant.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

Following further conversations with the right hon. Gentleman, I can bring forward legislation in this place that does exactly what he needs it to do for his party to be able to give a date when it will go back into the Executive.

Answered
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Q6 Jeffrey M. Donaldson DUP
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The Secretary of State will know that we want to see Stormont back up and running, but it is critical for us that Northern Ireland's ability to trade with its biggest market is protected.

Question

Do we need to see free movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland reflected in practical arrangements? We have concerns about the practical outworking of proposals in the Windsor framework.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

In the Command Paper on the Windsor framework, we detailed the British Government's view of how we could bring in unfettered NI to GB trade as we move forward. We need to put more flesh on that bone.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not ensure practical arrangements reflect free movement of goods

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