Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Fifth Substantive Report of the Independent Reporting Commission

07 December 2022 · Northern Ireland Office

Proposed by Chris Heaton-Harris Con Daventry

Northern Ireland

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The minister presents the fifth substantive report from the Independent Reporting Commission on progress in tackling paramilitary activity and associated criminality.
  • The minister welcomes the progress but commits to enhancing the programme through stakeholder engagement.
  • The minister considers recommendations for formal engagement processes with paramilitary groups to facilitate their disbandment.

Issue summary

The minister is presenting the fifth substantive report from the Independent Reporting Commission regarding progress in tackling paramilitary activity and associated criminality.

Action requested

While welcoming the reported progress, the minister commits to continuing efforts to enhance the programme through engagement with stakeholders and considers recommendations for formal engagement processes with paramilitary groups to facilitate their disbandment. The minister emphasizes the importance of political leadership and cross-party commitment in Northern Ireland to address ongoing issues related to paramilitarism.

Key facts

  • Fifth substantive report from Independent Reporting Commission.
  • Fresh Start Agreement established in November 2015 to combat paramilitary activity.
  • New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) Agreement made commitments towards tackling paramilitarism.
  • Reduction in Northern Ireland-related Terrorism threat level from SEVERE to SUBSTANTIAL.
  • Success of the Tackling Paramilitary Activity Programme noted by Commissioners.
  • Recommendations for a formal engagement process with paramilitary groups aimed at disbandment.
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