Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Restoration of Power Sharing

Wednesday 6 September 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial focus is on resolving issues to allow the DUP to return to Stormont and restore the Executive.
  • Detailed negotiations with the DUP have been ongoing over the summer.
  • Talks are moving forward but may require conversations outside of current negotiations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andy McDonald Lab Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

The lack of a functioning devolved government in Northern Ireland leads to direct consequences, such as the highest waiting lists for healthcare in the UK.

Question

I am concerned about the steps being taken by my Department to help restore power sharing in Northern Ireland. The lack of a functioning devolved government means there are direct consequences for its people, evidenced by the highest waiting lists in the UK which would not be tolerated elsewhere. In the absence of a restoration of power sharing, there needs to be a plan B—what is it?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

My focus remains on resolving issues so that the DUP can return to Stormont and get the Executive up and running. There are myriad options available, but none is as ideal as having Stormont functioning.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for Plan B was not addressed with concrete details or timeline.

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Q2 Andy McDonald Lab Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Northern Ireland
Context

There is a potential opportunity to restore the Northern Ireland Executive through dialogue.

Question

There is a big opportunity over the coming weeks to restore the Northern Ireland Executive. Does the Secretary of State agree that key to this restoration is listening harder to the DUP about the implementation of the Windsor agreement?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I thank the former Secretary of State for his question and confirm we have been listening very carefully to the DUP team over the course of the summer, with detailed negotiations taking place. We are homing in on what is required, but it might mean having conversations elsewhere.

Answered
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Q3 Julian Smith Con Skipton and Ripon
Northern Ireland
Context

The Windsor framework was agreed seven months ago but has not led to the restoration of power sharing.

Question

The Windsor framework, which was a great achievement seven months ago, was intended to enable the restoration of power sharing in Northern Ireland. That has not happened. What is the Government's plan? The Secretary of State refers to conversations he is having, but what is the plan?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I sincerely welcome you to your place and thank you for your question. We are talking regularly with one particular political party, but talks have moved forward substantially.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for the plan was not addressed with concrete details or timeline.

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Q4 Hilary Benn Lab Leeds South
Northern Ireland
Context

Unionist concerns about unfettered access for Northern Ireland businesses trading with Great Britain have been raised.

Question

The Secretary of State knows that there are concerns in the Unionist community about unfettered access for Northern Ireland businesses trading with Great Britain. The Government said last month they are committed to this and these arrangements will be enshrined in domestic legislation. Can he tell the House when that legislation will be introduced?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

Hopefully in very short order, dependent on making sure we have got it exactly right so it answers questions and allows Stormont and the Executive to re-form.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for a timeline was not addressed with concrete details or date.

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Q5 Hilary Benn Lab Leeds South
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

The highest waiting lists for healthcare in the UK are in Northern Ireland due to a lack of a functioning devolved government.

Question

I am concerned about the steps being taken by my Department to help restore power sharing in Northern Ireland. The lack of a functioning devolved government means there are direct consequences for its people, evidenced by the highest waiting lists in the UK which would not be tolerated elsewhere. In the absence of a restoration of power sharing, there needs to be a plan B—what is it?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

My focus remains on resolving issues so that the DUP can return to Stormont and get the Executive up and running. There are myriad options available, but none is as ideal as having Stormont functioning.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for Plan B was not addressed with concrete details or timeline.

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How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)