Referendum on the Future of Northern Ireland 2020-11-04
2020-11-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
No specific event prompted this question, but it addresses the political climate surrounding Northern Ireland's constitutional status.
What assessment has been made of public opinion on holding a referendum on the future of Northern Ireland in accordance with the Good Friday agreement?
The UK Government are fully committed to the requirements set out in the Belfast/Good Friday agreement in relation to circumstances that require the Secretary of State to hold a referendum on a change in Northern Ireland's constitutional status. The majority of people in Northern Ireland continue to support Northern Ireland's place within the United Kingdom.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide any assessment of public opinion, only restated government commitment without specifics.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Food producers have concerns about trade arrangements following the Brexit transition period.
Given that food producers still lack clarity on trading arrangements between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, does the Secretary of State agree that this Government's avoidable failure to prepare now risks damaging Northern Ireland's place within the UK internal market?
The Government are focused on delivering unfettered access for Northern Ireland businesses to the entire United Kingdom market, and this is what the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill aims to deliver. The specialist joint committee's work will ensure a free flow of goods.
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Assessment & feedback
Acknowledged the issue but did not directly address the risk mentioned in the question regarding damaging Northern Ireland's place within the UK internal market.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There is ongoing discussion about the constitutional future of Northern Ireland.
Given that the Good Friday agreement outlines mechanisms for dealing with a constitutional future through a unity referendum, will the Secretary of State specify what criteria he will use to determine when such a poll should be called?
The High Court ruled that there is no legal requirement to set out fixed criteria on holding a poll, and it agreed that such criteria are not necessary or in the public interest.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific criteria as requested, instead referenced a legal ruling against setting fixed criteria.
Response accuracy