Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Power Sharing

Wednesday 22 November 2023 · 3 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Robert Goodwill asked about recent discussions with Northern Ireland political parties regarding the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive.
  • Tonia Antoniazzi inquired about the Secretary of State's confidence in the imminent restoration of power sharing in Northern Ireland.
  • Robert Goodwill highlighted the disadvantages faced by Northern Ireland due to the lack of a functioning Executive, mentioning issues like the apprenticeship levy and renewable heat incentive reform.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Robert Goodwill Con
Northern Ireland
Context

Discussions about restoring the Northern Ireland Executive and addressing local governance issues.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with political parties in Northern Ireland on the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

Our focus remains on delivering for the people of Northern Ireland, who expect and deserve locally elected decision makers to address the issues that matter to them. I will continue to engage regularly with the party leaders, and believe there is genuine willingness on all sides to re-establish the conditions for the devolved institutions to go back to work and to thrive.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details of recent discussions were not provided.

How: Focus Remains, Engage Regularly

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Q2 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
Northern Ireland
Context

Concerns about Northern Ireland's levelling-up bid failures and the need for a functioning executive.

Question

We have heard in this House today how disappointed Northern Ireland is at no successful levelling-up bids. I visited Coleraine football club, which was disappointed to be unsuccessful in round 2. Is the Secretary of State confident that the restoration of power sharing is close? Northern Ireland simply cannot afford to lose out on even more money.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I am glad that the hon. Lady went to Coleraine football club; I went there and had a wonderful experience with a great football team. I would have loved to referee, but I was not allowed. I believe that we are moving closer to a decision. Discussions are still to be had, and they are continuing at pace and at length.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific confidence or timeline for restoration of power-sharing.

How: Moving Closer, Discussions Continue

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Q3 Robert Goodwill Con
Northern Ireland
Context

Concerns about the challenges faced by civil servants in Northern Ireland due to a lack of political guidance.

Question

We have already heard today an example of how the people of Northern Ireland are disadvantaged by the lack of a functioning Executive. I would add to that list the deployment of the apprenticeship levy and the reform of the renewable heat incentive. Does the Secretary of State agree with me that civil servants in Northern Ireland face an almost impossible job in trying to steer the ship of state without co-ordinates set by the politicians elected there?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I thank my right hon. Friend for his question and his obvious popularity in the House. I agree with him. He is completely correct that there are a whole host of issues that require elected Ministers in Northern Ireland to take their place. I would like to place on record my thanks to the Northern Ireland civil service for the work they have been doing in such circumstances with the limited guidance we have given them, because they have been doing a sterling job on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland.

Answered
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