:00:00. > :00:07.7pm. Johnny for a round-up -- join me at 11pm. First we have questions
:00:08. > :00:10.to be Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire.
:00:11. > :00:18.Thanks, Mr Speaker. Yesterday I laid the tenth biannual statement about
:00:19. > :00:22.Northern Ireland. The terrorist threat level is unchanged at severe
:00:23. > :00:27.meaning an attack is likely. The need for vigilance remains and I pay
:00:28. > :00:33.tribute to the brave men and women who work tirelessly to keep
:00:34. > :00:36.communities safe. Apologies, Mr Speaker, aged have
:00:37. > :00:40.been question number two. Can I thank the Minister for meeting with
:00:41. > :00:45.me recently, when I told them about my constituent? I understand he is
:00:46. > :00:51.unable to discuss this individual case, but does he agree that any
:00:52. > :00:56.security review must take account of cases such as this?
:00:57. > :01:00.I am grateful to my honourable friend that I know that she has met
:01:01. > :01:07.my honourable friend the parliamentary undersecretary to
:01:08. > :01:10.discuss this issue. This individual case is clearly the operational
:01:11. > :01:15.response of the police, as my honourable friend understands, but I
:01:16. > :01:18.agree we must find a better way to investigate legacy cases. The
:01:19. > :01:21.requirement for the investigation of the past puts pressure on the
:01:22. > :01:25.ability to police the present, and that is why I remain committed to
:01:26. > :01:29.removing ahead with the Stormont house legacy bodies I believe will
:01:30. > :01:34.provide a more proportionate response to the getting to those
:01:35. > :01:38.issues. The Secretary of State will be aware
:01:39. > :01:41.of the recent footage that has emerged of dissident republicans
:01:42. > :01:46.heavily armed, carrying rocket launchers in a part of north
:01:47. > :01:51.Belfast, near where Michael McGibbon was murdered recently, a scandalous
:01:52. > :01:54.and appalling display. With the secretary agreed that the police
:01:55. > :01:58.have been very quick to arrest people and charge them over minor
:01:59. > :02:01.breaches of legislation and they need to get a grip on this kind of
:02:02. > :02:05.display? They need to arrest people and pursue them because the people
:02:06. > :02:08.within these communities absolutely do not want these displays of
:02:09. > :02:15.paramilitary activity. I agree with the sentiments of the
:02:16. > :02:20.honourable gentleman. This video is utterly repugnant. But I would point
:02:21. > :02:24.to some of the things I have said in my statement yesterday, that the
:02:25. > :02:29.support for dissident groups like this remains limited, despite their
:02:30. > :02:33.attempts to seek legitimacy in wider society, which continues to reject
:02:34. > :02:38.their use of violence. I think this contemptible video is... It was
:02:39. > :02:43.intended to be a show of strength. I see it as a sign of weakness and it
:02:44. > :02:46.is important that the PSNI continue investigations.
:02:47. > :02:49.The Secretary of State will commend the widow of Michael McGibbon who
:02:50. > :02:54.has spoken bravely against these people and been forced out of her
:02:55. > :02:57.home, unfortunately? Her words are a ringing endorsement of the peace
:02:58. > :03:05.process in Northern Ireland. While tackling these dissidents, the
:03:06. > :03:12.cross-border task force, the Fresh Start initiative, could the
:03:13. > :03:14.secretary update us of the work that group and others like it have been
:03:15. > :03:19.doing to tackle dissidents and criminals?
:03:20. > :03:22.In the honourable gentleman is right to remark on the brave testimony of
:03:23. > :03:28.Joanne McGibbon, and our thoughts are with all of those who have lost
:03:29. > :03:33.loved ones from terrorism. That is a strong important message this house
:03:34. > :03:38.red House should continue to get out. Also the issue with the joint
:03:39. > :03:43.agency task force, and this is doing good work and bringing together
:03:44. > :03:46.different agencies to confront organised criminality, and also
:03:47. > :03:52.those linked to terrorism. It is doing good work and we must do more.
:03:53. > :03:56.Thank you, Mr Speaker. Given the threat level in Northern Ireland is
:03:57. > :03:59.still severe, does the Secretary of State feel satisfied with the level
:04:00. > :04:04.of intelligence sharing in the province?
:04:05. > :04:10.I would underline to my honourable friend that I think some good work
:04:11. > :04:13.is taking place between our agencies in Northern Ireland, as well as with
:04:14. > :04:18.the Republic of Ireland. I think that is in a stronger position than
:04:19. > :04:22.it has been. Of course there is still room for further improvement
:04:23. > :04:25.but significant seizures of arms and weaponry have been undertaken as a
:04:26. > :04:32.consequence of that work. It is important to underline it.
:04:33. > :04:39.My constituent Austin Hunter was an outstanding journalist, and covered
:04:40. > :04:42.the security situation in Northern Ireland for many years. Not only a
:04:43. > :04:50.brilliant journalist and family man, he was a remarkably fine man. I
:04:51. > :04:53.wonder, with the Secretary of State kindly take this opportunity to join
:04:54. > :05:00.with colleagues around the house who will have known Austin Hunter as a
:05:01. > :05:04.distinguished journalist in Northern Ireland. Join me in sending
:05:05. > :05:10.condolences to his devastated family, devastated by his death in a
:05:11. > :05:14.tragic accident at the weekend. I think they honourable lady, and
:05:15. > :05:22.whilst I did not have the village of meeting Austin Hunter, I know from
:05:23. > :05:25.all of the really powerful testimony what an incredible journalist he
:05:26. > :05:30.was, but also what an incredibly warm and human man he was as well.
:05:31. > :05:35.This was a tragic accident, and I join with the honourable lady in
:05:36. > :05:39.sending my condolences to his friends and family, all of those who
:05:40. > :05:43.knew him... He made clearly a remarkable contribution and he will
:05:44. > :05:47.be missed by so many. People who give information to the
:05:48. > :05:51.police about terrorist activities have saved many lives in the past
:05:52. > :05:55.and will continue to do so today, so is it not entirely wrong to claim
:05:56. > :06:02.that some groups do in Northern Ireland, as some claim, that any
:06:03. > :06:04.case which involves an agent involves police misconduct?
:06:05. > :06:09.My right honourable friend is correct in what she says about how
:06:10. > :06:12.we saved lives as a consequence of the support of people and
:06:13. > :06:17.communities, often at great personal cost. I think that should be
:06:18. > :06:20.recognised on some of the powerful intelligence it has provided and its
:06:21. > :06:25.impact. I would like to congratulate the
:06:26. > :06:29.Police Service of Northern Ireland and other security agencies in them
:06:30. > :06:32.stopping a number of terrorist attacks. But with the Secretary of
:06:33. > :06:35.State give us some information as to whether the dissident terrorists are
:06:36. > :06:39.still recruiting and increasing in numbers in Northern Ireland?
:06:40. > :06:45.As the honourable gentleman will have seen from my written statement
:06:46. > :06:50.yesterday, there is an enduring Brett from terrorism, a point I
:06:51. > :06:54.underlined on the need for vigilance. -- there is a threat.
:06:55. > :06:58.There are support is limited but we must continue to be aware and
:06:59. > :07:02.confront that, which is why I do pay tribute to the successes and work of
:07:03. > :07:05.the Police Service of Northern Ireland, but equally we must remain
:07:06. > :07:07.focused on the security issues, which underlines yesterday's
:07:08. > :07:12.statement points. Does my right honourable friend
:07:13. > :07:15.agree that it is important that service personnel who put their
:07:16. > :07:20.lives on the line for our security on a daily basis, such as a Lance
:07:21. > :07:25.Corporal who was arrested and questioned in November last year, or
:07:26. > :07:30.other former members of the Parachute Regiment who had to go to
:07:31. > :07:33.High Court to battle against detention and extradition, so they
:07:34. > :07:40.do not have to take place for politically motivated legal battles?
:07:41. > :07:44.I cannot comment on individual cases, but I will be unswerving and
:07:45. > :07:48.understanding in underlining the huge contribution that our Armed
:07:49. > :07:52.Forces made it actually helping to bring about the peace that we enjoy
:07:53. > :07:57.today. And part of that is the rule of law. Therefore, where there is
:07:58. > :08:02.evidence of criminality, it is important that rule of law is
:08:03. > :08:06.upheld, but I know very clearly the incredible contribution so many of
:08:07. > :08:08.our Armed Forces actually have undertaken.
:08:09. > :08:12.Does the Secretary of State agree with me that the prospect of a hard
:08:13. > :08:16.border would set up opportunities for organised crime and cause
:08:17. > :08:19.additional problems for the security services, including the police
:08:20. > :08:24.services, and as he therefore agree it is essential Brexit does not
:08:25. > :08:27.result in a hard border? The honourable lady will have heard
:08:28. > :08:32.me say on a number of occasions I do not want to see a return to the
:08:33. > :08:36.borders of the past. Part of that is about the politics but also about
:08:37. > :08:39.the the way we ensure the continued good relationship between ourselves
:08:40. > :08:43.and the Irish Government is maintained, and security is a key
:08:44. > :08:51.factor. Number three, Mr Speaker.
:08:52. > :08:56.The safety and security of all those serving in the PSNI presents and
:08:57. > :08:59.security forces in Northern Ireland is of the utmost importance to the
:09:00. > :09:04.Government. We keep under careful review, arrangement and advice to
:09:05. > :09:08.support their protection. I think the Secretary of State for
:09:09. > :09:14.the answer. He from his previous role in particular any breach in the
:09:15. > :09:18.security data of a member of the security services poses an obvious
:09:19. > :09:27.threat and risk to them and to their families. Will he undertake a review
:09:28. > :09:30.of all data handling and security, and postal communications between
:09:31. > :09:33.the Northern Ireland Office security personnel, both former and serving?
:09:34. > :09:39.Will he also undertake to press this matter with the Department of
:09:40. > :09:42.Justice, how must join up with the NII will in this?
:09:43. > :09:45.He has raised with me this individual case and I will write to
:09:46. > :09:51.him in response with this. I take this issue of the security of
:09:52. > :09:57.information relating to those who served to guard our protection, very
:09:58. > :10:04.seriously. I meet with the Ministry, the PSNI and the others, and I will
:10:05. > :10:07.take steps to ensure the appropriate protection of security force
:10:08. > :10:13.members' personal data, and we will consider this issue further.
:10:14. > :10:19.Number four. Mr Speaker, I continue to meet
:10:20. > :10:22.victims' groups, the executive and others to establish the legacy
:10:23. > :10:26.bodies set out in a storm and has agreement, but I am confident there
:10:27. > :10:30.is sufficient political consensus, and I intend to move to a public
:10:31. > :10:32.face to allow wider community consideration and build confidence
:10:33. > :10:37.and momentum behind the creation of the new legacy bodies.
:10:38. > :10:45.Does my honourable friend agree that these operate in a fair, balanced
:10:46. > :10:49.proportion if we consider the one-sided focus on cases involving
:10:50. > :10:54.the state where 97% of deaths in the troubles were caused by terrorist?
:10:55. > :10:59.My honourable friend makes a powerful and important point and I
:11:00. > :11:02.do agree that the legacy bodies must be balanced and the Boston.
:11:03. > :11:07.Actually, that was at the heart of the Stormont house agreement. The
:11:08. > :11:12.phraseology there and how I agree this will be important to deliver on
:11:13. > :11:16.that more balanced approach. Thank you. An important part of addressing
:11:17. > :11:20.the legacy of the Paris is breaking down visions today. Would he
:11:21. > :11:25.therefore join me in expressing sympathy to the family of Danny
:11:26. > :11:28.Murphy who died this morning and worked tirelessly to build peace and
:11:29. > :11:34.reconciliation, bringing people together through sport? Is a loss to
:11:35. > :11:39.all of us and our vital work. I thank the honourable gentleman for
:11:40. > :11:43.drawing tree house's attention the sad death of Danny Murphy and I'm
:11:44. > :11:46.sure all of us would extend our condolences to his friends and
:11:47. > :11:51.family. Equally, the powerful way in which sport can unite people, bring
:11:52. > :11:57.them together and I think, at this time, that is worth reflecting upon.
:11:58. > :12:01.Woody Secretary of State recognised the sheer bulk of the Republicans
:12:02. > :12:13.who seek 100% transparency on 10% of the deaths in the troubles, but
:12:14. > :12:16.offer none in Britain? -- Would the. Until they take responsibility for
:12:17. > :12:21.the deaths they are responsible for, it will be impossible to do so. I
:12:22. > :12:26.think it's important to everyone to work together with bruises on. And
:12:27. > :12:29.that is why I'm continuing to sit dot-mac commit significant effort to
:12:30. > :12:33.do just that. The honourable gentleman is right, at the moment,
:12:34. > :12:37.the system is heavily focused on the 10% rather than a 90% and the
:12:38. > :12:44.balanced proportionate measures that I could fall will assist in changing
:12:45. > :12:48.that. This level, can I associate myself with the tributes paid to the
:12:49. > :12:56.file journalist Austin Hunter and to Danny Murphy. Would the Minister now
:12:57. > :13:03.do better in building consensus if he did not revisit marks that give
:13:04. > :13:07.offence to state violence victims? -- remarks. Surely having a stronger
:13:08. > :13:12.provision in respect of the attics would provide better output because
:13:13. > :13:18.that would not restrict to killings, the other measures do, but would
:13:19. > :13:22.also extend to the Palace military. The honourable gentleman will be
:13:23. > :13:26.well aware that the Stormont house bodies, the legacy bodies
:13:27. > :13:29.contemplated, actually cover a range of issues. Part of this is about
:13:30. > :13:33.investigation, part is about more information and consideration of
:13:34. > :13:37.this to come forward in a number of different ways. That is why I think
:13:38. > :13:41.it's a priority that we move forward with the Stormont house bodies and
:13:42. > :13:50.by that running a key focus for me. -- remains. Thank you. One of the
:13:51. > :13:53.omissions of the past few years has been the desperate plight of people
:13:54. > :13:56.who have been seriously injured due to the troubles, who have been
:13:57. > :14:01.unable to work and therefore unable to build up secondary pension
:14:02. > :14:05.provisions. Notwithstanding what was said before about the political
:14:06. > :14:09.consensus, will he meet with myself and representatives of the wave,
:14:10. > :14:16.centre to see how we can work together to try and resolve this as
:14:17. > :14:23.quickly as possible? -- Wave Trauma Centre. I am thankful for the rating
:14:24. > :14:26.this point and I have met with the Wave Trauma Centre. I continue an
:14:27. > :14:31.engagement with them. I'm conscious of this issue of pension rights, how
:14:32. > :14:35.there is discussion, continuing with the executive and therefore I will
:14:36. > :14:41.continue to seek to gain the necessary consensus to make progress
:14:42. > :14:46.on this really important issue. Question number five, Mr Speaker.
:14:47. > :14:50.Thank you. Officials across the whole of the Department of looking
:14:51. > :14:54.to make sure the interests of Northern Ireland are protected and
:14:55. > :14:58.advanced in the UK as the UK prepares to leave the European
:14:59. > :15:04.Union. We will continue to monitor what further support is required.
:15:05. > :15:08.The Northern Ireland Office did little preparation for Brexit and it
:15:09. > :15:12.appears, from the response to a written question I tabled, and
:15:13. > :15:16.several private consultancy firms are profiting from this lack of
:15:17. > :15:21.preparation. Canley Minister tell me how many contracts have been awarded
:15:22. > :15:32.to consultancy firms and external organisations? I have no external
:15:33. > :15:37.contracts being issued. Can my honourable friend update the house
:15:38. > :15:39.on what action his department is taking to promote business and
:15:40. > :15:49.community engagement ahead of Brexit? While there is a constant
:15:50. > :15:56.dialogue between business. -- well, there is. Business, Government and
:15:57. > :16:02.the voluntary sector and we are making sure Cabinet members and
:16:03. > :16:08.colleagues are fully -- fully understand and get the best possible
:16:09. > :16:13.deal for Northern Ireland. The agriculture sector creates 70,000
:16:14. > :16:17.jobs. It's also 3.25% of the Northern Ireland gross value and
:16:18. > :16:21.that equates to some ?1.1 billion of the basic prices. With the Minister
:16:22. > :16:26.confirm that civil servant personnel will be in sufficient numbers to
:16:27. > :16:31.ensure that a smooth transition for the UK out of the EU takes place?
:16:32. > :16:37.Can I thank the honourable gentleman for the question? We do recognise
:16:38. > :16:40.the importance of the sector in Northern Ireland. There is a good
:16:41. > :16:48.dialogue between the sector and the department, and I know that Canada's
:16:49. > :16:50.members have met leading food manufacturers and members of the
:16:51. > :16:57.agriculture sector and that's dialogue will continue. Recent
:16:58. > :17:01.reports from the United States show that advice given by our civil
:17:02. > :17:09.servants to the US State Department prior to the referendum was...
:17:10. > :17:14.Quote, Brexit cannot happen so don't worry about it. Was this same crass
:17:15. > :17:21.advice being given to our partners, especially to the Irish Government?
:17:22. > :17:24.Can I just say that I don't recognise the comments that have
:17:25. > :17:27.just been made. We have a good relationship with the Irish
:17:28. > :17:36.Government and we'll continue that's dialogue and work with them.
:17:37. > :17:39.Question on six, Mr Speaker. The Secretary of State has established a
:17:40. > :17:41.business advisory group to help understand economic priorities of
:17:42. > :17:48.the Northern Ireland business Trinity. A series of sectoral
:17:49. > :17:51.meetings have already been made, including with the agricultural food
:17:52. > :17:57.sector, manufacturing and gate of industries. I thank my honourable
:17:58. > :18:00.friend for that answer. What impact does my honourable friend think the
:18:01. > :18:04.Government's industrial strategy will have in revamping the private
:18:05. > :18:10.sector in Northern Ireland? What discussions is he having with the
:18:11. > :18:15.executive on this topic? I think it's important to recognise the huge
:18:16. > :18:19.contribution, some ?23 billion, which is incorporated in the
:18:20. > :18:25.industrial sector and strategy. I also recognise the movement and
:18:26. > :18:34.growth in the private sector business. Some 14,410 jobs in the
:18:35. > :18:39.last year alone. Thank you. I'm sure the Minister will agree that the
:18:40. > :18:43.lower end of the corporation tax in Northern Ireland has certainly
:18:44. > :18:46.helped the economy and companies for somebody also agree that one area
:18:47. > :18:57.that we all need to concentrate on, and that is productivity? I do
:18:58. > :19:01.recognise the points that the honourable gentleman make the
:19:02. > :19:04.magnates. We are working closely with the executive to raise
:19:05. > :19:07.productivity. I know they have a really important budget coming of
:19:08. > :19:11.any future and we've made a commitment around ?250 million of
:19:12. > :19:18.capital investment to assist in that process. Will my honourable friend
:19:19. > :19:23.welcome the additional ?250 million of X manager that has been provided
:19:24. > :19:27.to the Northern Ireland expenditure in the Autumn Statement and does he
:19:28. > :19:33.agree that this law free opportunity from the executive to be up, improve
:19:34. > :19:37.in the structure in the future? Completely agree with that
:19:38. > :19:44.statement. There has been some huge growth in jobs in Northern Ireland.
:19:45. > :19:48.Nearly 60,000 new jobs since 2010. We need to keep building on the
:19:49. > :19:53.great step that we have made. The Government working with the
:19:54. > :19:59.executive is a key part of that. Could I also be associated with the
:20:00. > :20:05.condolences offered in in respect of Danny Murphy, who is a powerful poor
:20:06. > :20:09.dot-mac force for reconciliation and mutual understanding. Not only on
:20:10. > :20:13.the island of Ireland but also between Ireland and Britain. Could I
:20:14. > :20:18.under tarmac at the Minister if he would reconsider the report on the
:20:19. > :20:24.visitor economy, in particular the recent report into apprenticeships
:20:25. > :20:34.with particular reference to flexible electors cult-like ability?
:20:35. > :20:38.-- fiscal flexibility. Can I also associate myself with those
:20:39. > :20:46.condolences with Danny Murphy's death? Looking to the fiscal
:20:47. > :20:50.flexibility, the Newcastle airshow is a really important part of the
:20:51. > :20:54.economy and I want to make a contribution to that as well, and in
:20:55. > :20:58.the near future, be more active than that. The campaign to give more
:20:59. > :21:02.powers to the SMB, reduce corporation tax, Unite all political
:21:03. > :21:07.parties in Northern Ireland, all of Northern Irish business, they said
:21:08. > :21:16.they would double the turnover, workforce if they could get... Could
:21:17. > :21:22.the Minister tell me if you will give every opportunity to push the
:21:23. > :21:24.assembly and get this through? I recognise the contribution my
:21:25. > :21:29.honourable friend has made in trying to achieve this. It's right that we
:21:30. > :21:33.do challenging the executive fiscal response tea is an important part of
:21:34. > :21:37.that process. There is an important budget coming up in the moment and I
:21:38. > :21:44.know there is a dialogue going on about that. Number seven. Good
:21:45. > :21:48.progress has been made on in permitting the agreement, that is
:21:49. > :21:51.relevant to bill for reform, a joint agency task force to tackle crime
:21:52. > :22:07.and executive strategy to disband military groups. And ending
:22:08. > :22:12.paramilitary activity. Something vital to the economic success of
:22:13. > :22:17.Northern Ireland is enlarging on progress in the specific areas, will
:22:18. > :22:21.he do so? I think we have made Pacific significant progress and if
:22:22. > :22:23.you consider the progress from this time last year, there have been
:22:24. > :22:28.brought in steps forward. There are still additional steps to be taken,
:22:29. > :22:32.including the establishment of an independent fiscal council to
:22:33. > :22:38.publish an annual report on the executive 's's finances and provide
:22:39. > :22:43.further assurance on progress. Good ISOs yet my colleagues and I with
:22:44. > :22:48.the tributes paid to both Austin Hunter and Danny Murphy? -- could I
:22:49. > :22:56.associate myself. Can we get the assurance that...
:22:57. > :23:00.CHEERING That she will not allow the Stormont
:23:01. > :23:06.house agreement and a fresh start agreement to be an picked? And with
:23:07. > :23:09.the legacy issues, will be hold fast on national security and not allow
:23:10. > :23:14.those who want to rewrite the history of the past to do so? IM
:23:15. > :23:18.very clear on the need to continue to make progress in relation to
:23:19. > :23:21.Stormont house and in relation to fresh start. There have been
:23:22. > :23:25.significant steps forward but equally I will not be party to a be
:23:26. > :23:31.writing of the issues of the past and that is why proportionate
:23:32. > :23:36.approach is required. Thank you. Part of Stormont house agreement is
:23:37. > :23:42.the legacy issues. Almost weekly, there is news items, these prejudice
:23:43. > :23:46.up and coming cases, giving just one side of the story. Will the
:23:47. > :23:50.Secretary of State take action so that we don't have future cases
:23:51. > :23:55.prejudiced with stories in the newspapers, or will he pours the
:23:56. > :23:59.legacy issue? I think it's important that the rule of law is clearly
:24:00. > :24:02.upheld and appropriate investigations are undertaken but I
:24:03. > :24:05.do take the point that I made earlier on about imbalance within
:24:06. > :24:09.the existing system. The fact that 90% of those who lose their lives
:24:10. > :24:13.was their lives due to terrorism. That by the new bodies are important
:24:14. > :24:21.to deliver that balanced proportionate approach. Question
:24:22. > :24:24.number eight. I have met with and continue to meet with counterparts
:24:25. > :24:29.in the Irish garment as they prepare for the UK's exit from the EU. The
:24:30. > :24:33.UK - Irish relationship has never been stronger. In the coming months,
:24:34. > :24:39.we were deep in corporation -- we will be in cooperation and deal with
:24:40. > :24:44.matters that are in the best interests of Northern Ireland. It is
:24:45. > :24:51.the closest of importance that the relationship between the UK and
:24:52. > :24:57.Northern Ireland remains. Will you negotiate with the EU under half of
:24:58. > :25:04.Northern Ireland alongside the UK to ensure the maintenance of existing
:25:05. > :25:07.relationships with the Republic? I will make sure Northern Ireland
:25:08. > :25:11.remains part of the United Kingdom and I will speak on the behalf of
:25:12. > :25:18.the Northern Ireland when it comes to negotiations in leaving the EU.
:25:19. > :25:20.Good ISOs yet myself with the remarks of the condolences to the
:25:21. > :25:26.family of Danny Murphy and Austin Hunter? Could I also at least
:25:27. > :25:33.Secretary of State that he recognise the real needs for this boat and
:25:34. > :25:36.in-depth protection for all aspects of the Good Friday agreement and
:25:37. > :25:44.Belfast agreement? And that we meet that. Order, order. The honourable
:25:45. > :25:46.gentleman is asking for protections for Northern Ireland in respect of
:25:47. > :25:51.the Good Friday agreement. This is an extremely important matter. The
:25:52. > :25:55.honourable gentleman should be able to articulate for his constituents
:25:56. > :26:00.with the respectful audience. -- a respectable audience. But the
:26:01. > :26:03.Secretary of State agree with me that there is a need for this book
:26:04. > :26:07.and in-depth protection for all aspects of the Good Friday Belfast
:26:08. > :26:13.agreement and the need for the constitution and principles of that
:26:14. > :26:18.agreement to be given full recognition in any future UK - EU
:26:19. > :26:22.treaty? And that Northern Ireland's unique interest will not in any way
:26:23. > :26:23.be satisfied via near consultation with the first and Deputy First
:26:24. > :28:46.Minister? My right honourable friend the Prime
:28:47. > :28:49.Minister is in Bahrain. Mr Speaker, this morning I had meeting with
:28:50. > :28:52.ministerial colleagues and others and in addition to my duties in this
:28:53. > :28:58.House, I shall have further such meetings in this House later today.
:28:59. > :29:01.Yesterday's signing of a memorandum of understanding with