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Northern Ireland Political Institutions: Reform
13 January 2026
Lead MP
Sorcha Eastwood
Lagan Valley
Alliance
Responding Minister
Matthew Patrick
Tags
Northern Ireland
Word Count: 9639
Other Contributors: 8
At a Glance
Sorcha Eastwood raised concerns about northern ireland political institutions: reform in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Reform the institutions to remove the ability of any one party to block the formation of an Executive, replace parallel consent arrangements, and restore the petition of concern to its original purpose. These reforms are modest but essential for better governance.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The current system of government in Northern Ireland permits collapse and discourages long-term decision making. The public is looking for something better, with evidence showing a groundswell of opinion across nationalism, Unionism, and those who identify neither.
Alex Burghart
Con
Brentwood and Ongar
He supported the concept of Northern Ireland working together but stressed that changes must come from within, noting concerns about majoritarianism and the need for tough political negotiation.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
Hanna supports modest reforms to the Assembly, highlighting the SDLP's frustration with lack of steps towards reform by Executive parties despite campaigning efforts. Asked if the hon. and learned Member's position had moved regarding ending mandatory coalition and to a 90-Member Opposition, seeking clarification on party stance. Asked if the Minister acknowledges that parties did not arrive at a consensus during previous agreements and stressed the need for facilitation.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Allister criticizes the December 2024 protocol implementation and questions the sincerity of those supporting it, suggesting hypocrisy from certain parties. The system is failing because it includes a party that wishes for the failure of Northern Ireland, and he suggests passing Executive powers to central government. Discussed the impact of Stormont's spending decisions on childcare funding, noting that only £25 million was spent out of £50 million available.
Jim Shannon
SDLP
Strangford
While acknowledging issues, Jim Shannon highlights progress made by the Executive in areas like early years childcare and notes that local decision-making is better than central control. Defended the delivery of childcare in Northern Ireland under devolution and mentioned the advantages of a working Assembly, including winter fuel payments for the elderly.
Matthew Patrick
Con
East Londonderry
Emphasised the importance of reaching a consensus and building support for institutional changes in Northern Ireland. Welcomed the work of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee, which is considering institutional reform. Acknowledged the importance of public service transformation and highlighted the Government's commitment to securing significant funding for Northern Ireland. Pays tribute to Health Minister Mike Nesbitt for transformation efforts, mentions £235 million fund allocation and primary care multi-disciplinary teams. Highlights improvements in public services.
Robin Swann
UUP
Fermanagh and South Tyrone
Swann questions whether the agreement changes at St Andrews in 2007 have distorted institutions, shifting from consensus to veto and brinkmanship. Highlighted that the Assembly and Executive Review Committee has met only 12 times since 2024 and questioned its effectiveness.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Criticises proposed reforms as a retreat from safeguards for minorities and highlights historical collapses under different administrations, suggesting that the requirement for consensus is even stronger.
Sorcha Eastwood
Alliance
Belfast South and Mid Down
Supports the point made by Sammy Wilson about protecting all communities in Northern Ireland as everyone is a minority. Emphasised the importance of a functioning Government in Northern Ireland to deliver local growth funds independently from UK government interventions.
Government Response
Matthew Patrick
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Government Response
Acknowledged the hon. Member for Lagan Valley's consistent campaigning, noting progress in political agreements since the Good Friday agreement, including St Andrews and Hillsborough castle arrangements, Fresh Start agreement providing an official Opposition, and New Decade, New Approach changes to petition of concern.
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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.