Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

The Union

Wednesday 17 January 2024 · 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK Government is committed to protecting Northern Ireland's position in the Union.
  • Regular discussions occur with Cabinet colleagues on this issue.
  • The importance of shared cross-border services in border constituencies is acknowledged.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Simon Baynes
Northern Ireland
Context

The question arises from concerns about Northern Ireland's stability within the UK union.

Question

What steps are being taken with Cabinet colleagues to strengthen Northern Ireland's position in the Union?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The UK Government is fully committed to protecting and upholding Northern Ireland's position in the Union. Regular discussions occur with Cabinet colleagues, including meetings with Secretaries of State for Wales and Scotland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or actions being taken

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Q2 Simon Baynes
Northern Ireland Wales
Context

The question stems from the importance of cross-border services between Northern England and Wales.

Question

Would my right hon. Friend agree that the Union is now stronger than ever, particularly with the decline of the SNP, and that its vital importance can be seen not only in Northern Ireland but also in border constituencies such as Clwyd South, where shared services across the border with North Shropshire are crucial?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The speaker agrees that all politics is local and acknowledges the success of shared cross-border services in border constituencies, noting the importance of such connectivity across the United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide concrete evidence or policy commitments for cross-border service support

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Q3 Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim
Northern Ireland
Context

Concerns arise from efforts to persuade Unionists about the Northern Ireland protocol, impacting citizenship rights and union stability.

Question

Every deceitful tactic is used to coerce Unionists into accepting the Windsor framework and Northern Ireland protocol despite its negative impact on citizenship and union. The Chairman of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee recently stated that constitutional issues should be handled by the EU and Irish Government. Can the Secretary of State confirm this Conservative and Unionist Government has not handed control of Northern Ireland's constitution to the EU, and assess whether the committee chairman is an over-zealous advocate or misinformed?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The Secretary of State disagrees with claims about the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee chairman, asserting that a deal needs to be done for Northern Ireland's benefit. He encourages getting the Executive back up and running without specific clarification on constitutional control.

Not addressed: Did not address the question directly regarding constitutional authority or evaluate recent statements

How: Changed Subject To Encourage A Deal

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