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Northern Ireland’s Political Institutions
21 January 2025
Lead MP
Sorcha Eastwood
Lagan Valley
Alliance
Responding Minister
Fleur Anderson
Tags
Northern IrelandBrexit
Word Count: 4469
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Sorcha Eastwood raised concerns about northern ireland’s political institutions in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Proposes changes such as reforming the nomination process for First and Deputy First Ministers, replacing the outdated system of parallel consent, and reforming the petition of concern to prevent progressive legislation from being blocked by any single party.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Northern Ireland’s governance is structurally ineffective and keeps the region trapped in cycles of instability and dysfunction. Since devolution began more than 25 years ago, Stormont has been without a functioning Government for nearly 40% of its lifespan, leading to prolonged collapses in 2000, 2002-2007, 2017-2020 and most recently from 2022 to 2024. This has left public services and finances in a state of decay with Northern Ireland having the highest health waiting lists in the UK despite the biggest spend per head on health.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Questions what more political parties in Northern Ireland can do, emphasizing the importance of local decision-making. Discusses redesignating Deputy First Minister and First Minister roles to joint First Ministers to enhance community integration and stability.
Fleur Anderson
Con
Blackpool North and Cleveleys
Defends the effectiveness of the Good Friday agreement, emphasizing peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland. Acknowledges challenges but highlights the commitment to supporting local institutions through power sharing. Ms. Anderson acknowledged Mr. Swann's point and emphasised the UK Government’s willingness to work in partnership for genuine transformation, noting that these projects will be agreed by the Finance Minister shortly.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Asked for an opportunity to intervene but was not given a chance.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commits to finding a way forward that brings everyone together and emphasizes the need for effective devolution free from EU interference.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Asked for an opportunity to intervene but was not given a chance. Questions the Minister on the use of petition of concern and the stability of political institutions, noting that it has not been used in the past year since Stormont returned.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Questioned the assertion about Northern Ireland having the highest health spend per head, citing the recent publication of the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council which equated Northern Ireland’s health spending to that of north-east and north-west England.
Government Response
Fleur Anderson
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Government Response
Congratulates Sorcha Eastwood on her debate and agrees that stable political institutions are a priority. Acknowledges the importance of using the Windsor framework to protect the UK internal market post-Brexit.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.