Live Northern Ireland Questions House of Commons

7pm. Johnny for a round-up -- join me at 11pm. First we have questions

to be Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire.

Thanks, Mr Speaker. Yesterday I laid the tenth biannual statement about

Northern Ireland. The terrorist threat level is unchanged at severe

meaning an attack is likely. The need for vigilance remains and I pay

tribute to the brave men and women who work tirelessly to keep

communities safe. Apologies, Mr Speaker, aged have

been question number two. Can I thank the Minister for meeting with

me recently, when I told them about my constituent? I understand he is

unable to discuss this individual case, but does he agree that any

security review must take account of cases such as this?

I am grateful to my honourable friend that I know that she has met

my honourable friend the parliamentary undersecretary to

discuss this issue. This individual case is clearly the operational

response of the police, as my honourable friend understands, but I

agree we must find a better way to investigate legacy cases. The

requirement for the investigation of the past puts pressure on the

ability to police the present, and that is why I remain committed to

removing ahead with the Stormont house legacy bodies I believe will

provide a more proportionate response to the getting to those

issues. The Secretary of State will be aware

of the recent footage that has emerged of dissident republicans

heavily armed, carrying rocket launchers in a part of north

Belfast, near where Michael McGibbon was murdered recently, a scandalous

and appalling display. With the secretary agreed that the police

have been very quick to arrest people and charge them over minor

breaches of legislation and they need to get a grip on this kind of

display? They need to arrest people and pursue them because the people

within these communities absolutely do not want these displays of

paramilitary activity. I agree with the sentiments of the

honourable gentleman. This video is utterly repugnant. But I would point

to some of the things I have said in my statement yesterday, that the

support for dissident groups like this remains limited, despite their

attempts to seek legitimacy in wider society, which continues to reject

their use of violence. I think this contemptible video is... It was

intended to be a show of strength. I see it as a sign of weakness and it

is important that the PSNI continue investigations.

The Secretary of State will commend the widow of Michael McGibbon who

has spoken bravely against these people and been forced out of her

home, unfortunately? Her words are a ringing endorsement of the peace

process in Northern Ireland. While tackling these dissidents, the

cross-border task force, the Fresh Start initiative, could the

secretary update us of the work that group and others like it have been

doing to tackle dissidents and criminals?

In the honourable gentleman is right to remark on the brave testimony of

Joanne McGibbon, and our thoughts are with all of those who have lost

loved ones from terrorism. That is a strong important message this house

red House should continue to get out. Also the issue with the joint

agency task force, and this is doing good work and bringing together

different agencies to confront organised criminality, and also

those linked to terrorism. It is doing good work and we must do more.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Given the threat level in Northern Ireland is

still severe, does the Secretary of State feel satisfied with the level

of intelligence sharing in the province?

I would underline to my honourable friend that I think some good work

is taking place between our agencies in Northern Ireland, as well as with

the Republic of Ireland. I think that is in a stronger position than

it has been. Of course there is still room for further improvement

but significant seizures of arms and weaponry have been undertaken as a

consequence of that work. It is important to underline it.

My constituent Austin Hunter was an outstanding journalist, and covered

the security situation in Northern Ireland for many years. Not only a

brilliant journalist and family man, he was a remarkably fine man. I

wonder, with the Secretary of State kindly take this opportunity to join

with colleagues around the house who will have known Austin Hunter as a

distinguished journalist in Northern Ireland. Join me in sending

condolences to his devastated family, devastated by his death in a

tragic accident at the weekend. I think they honourable lady, and

whilst I did not have the village of meeting Austin Hunter, I know from

all of the really powerful testimony what an incredible journalist he

was, but also what an incredibly warm and human man he was as well.

This was a tragic accident, and I join with the honourable lady in

sending my condolences to his friends and family, all of those who

knew him... He made clearly a remarkable contribution and he will

be missed by so many. People who give information to the

police about terrorist activities have saved many lives in the past

and will continue to do so today, so is it not entirely wrong to claim

that some groups do in Northern Ireland, as some claim, that any

case which involves an agent involves police misconduct?

My right honourable friend is correct in what she says about how

we saved lives as a consequence of the support of people and

communities, often at great personal cost. I think that should be

recognised on some of the powerful intelligence it has provided and its

impact. I would like to congratulate the

Police Service of Northern Ireland and other security agencies in them

stopping a number of terrorist attacks. But with the Secretary of

State give us some information as to whether the dissident terrorists are

still recruiting and increasing in numbers in Northern Ireland?

As the honourable gentleman will have seen from my written statement

yesterday, there is an enduring Brett from terrorism, a point I

underlined on the need for vigilance. -- there is a threat.

There are support is limited but we must continue to be aware and

confront that, which is why I do pay tribute to the successes and work of

the Police Service of Northern Ireland, but equally we must remain

focused on the security issues, which underlines yesterday's

statement points. Does my right honourable friend

agree that it is important that service personnel who put their

lives on the line for our security on a daily basis, such as a Lance

Corporal who was arrested and questioned in November last year, or

other former members of the Parachute Regiment who had to go to

High Court to battle against detention and extradition, so they

do not have to take place for politically motivated legal battles?

I cannot comment on individual cases, but I will be unswerving and

understanding in underlining the huge contribution that our Armed

Forces made it actually helping to bring about the peace that we enjoy

today. And part of that is the rule of law. Therefore, where there is

evidence of criminality, it is important that rule of law is

upheld, but I know very clearly the incredible contribution so many of

our Armed Forces actually have undertaken.

Does the Secretary of State agree with me that the prospect of a hard

border would set up opportunities for organised crime and cause

additional problems for the security services, including the police

services, and as he therefore agree it is essential Brexit does not

result in a hard border? The honourable lady will have heard

me say on a number of occasions I do not want to see a return to the

borders of the past. Part of that is about the politics but also about

the the way we ensure the continued good relationship between ourselves

and the Irish Government is maintained, and security is a key

factor. Number three, Mr Speaker.

The safety and security of all those serving in the PSNI presents and

security forces in Northern Ireland is of the utmost importance to the

Government. We keep under careful review, arrangement and advice to

support their protection. I think the Secretary of State for

the answer. He from his previous role in particular any breach in the

security data of a member of the security services poses an obvious

threat and risk to them and to their families. Will he undertake a review

of all data handling and security, and postal communications between

the Northern Ireland Office security personnel, both former and serving?

Will he also undertake to press this matter with the Department of

Justice, how must join up with the NII will in this?

He has raised with me this individual case and I will write to

him in response with this. I take this issue of the security of

information relating to those who served to guard our protection, very

seriously. I meet with the Ministry, the PSNI and the others, and I will

take steps to ensure the appropriate protection of security force

members' personal data, and we will consider this issue further.

Number four. Mr Speaker, I continue to meet

victims' groups, the executive and others to establish the legacy

bodies set out in a storm and has agreement, but I am confident there

is sufficient political consensus, and I intend to move to a public

face to allow wider community consideration and build confidence

and momentum behind the creation of the new legacy bodies.

Does my honourable friend agree that these operate in a fair, balanced

proportion if we consider the one-sided focus on cases involving

the state where 97% of deaths in the troubles were caused by terrorist?

My honourable friend makes a powerful and important point and I

do agree that the legacy bodies must be balanced and the Boston.

Actually, that was at the heart of the Stormont house agreement. The

phraseology there and how I agree this will be important to deliver on

that more balanced approach. Thank you. An important part of addressing

the legacy of the Paris is breaking down visions today. Would he

therefore join me in expressing sympathy to the family of Danny

Murphy who died this morning and worked tirelessly to build peace and

reconciliation, bringing people together through sport? Is a loss to

all of us and our vital work. I thank the honourable gentleman for

drawing tree house's attention the sad death of Danny Murphy and I'm

sure all of us would extend our condolences to his friends and

family. Equally, the powerful way in which sport can unite people, bring

them together and I think, at this time, that is worth reflecting upon.

Woody Secretary of State recognised the sheer bulk of the Republicans

who seek 100% transparency on 10% of the deaths in the troubles, but

offer none in Britain? -- Would the. Until they take responsibility for

the deaths they are responsible for, it will be impossible to do so. I

think it's important to everyone to work together with bruises on. And

that is why I'm continuing to sit dot-mac commit significant effort to

do just that. The honourable gentleman is right, at the moment,

the system is heavily focused on the 10% rather than a 90% and the

balanced proportionate measures that I could fall will assist in changing

that. This level, can I associate myself with the tributes paid to the

file journalist Austin Hunter and to Danny Murphy. Would the Minister now

do better in building consensus if he did not revisit marks that give

offence to state violence victims? -- remarks. Surely having a stronger

provision in respect of the attics would provide better output because

that would not restrict to killings, the other measures do, but would

also extend to the Palace military. The honourable gentleman will be

well aware that the Stormont house bodies, the legacy bodies

contemplated, actually cover a range of issues. Part of this is about

investigation, part is about more information and consideration of

this to come forward in a number of different ways. That is why I think

it's a priority that we move forward with the Stormont house bodies and

by that running a key focus for me. -- remains. Thank you. One of the

omissions of the past few years has been the desperate plight of people

who have been seriously injured due to the troubles, who have been

unable to work and therefore unable to build up secondary pension

provisions. Notwithstanding what was said before about the political

consensus, will he meet with myself and representatives of the wave,

centre to see how we can work together to try and resolve this as

quickly as possible? -- Wave Trauma Centre. I am thankful for the rating

this point and I have met with the Wave Trauma Centre. I continue an

engagement with them. I'm conscious of this issue of pension rights, how

there is discussion, continuing with the executive and therefore I will

continue to seek to gain the necessary consensus to make progress

on this really important issue. Question number five, Mr Speaker.

Thank you. Officials across the whole of the Department of looking

to make sure the interests of Northern Ireland are protected and

advanced in the UK as the UK prepares to leave the European

Union. We will continue to monitor what further support is required.

The Northern Ireland Office did little preparation for Brexit and it

appears, from the response to a written question I tabled, and

several private consultancy firms are profiting from this lack of

preparation. Canley Minister tell me how many contracts have been awarded

to consultancy firms and external organisations? I have no external

contracts being issued. Can my honourable friend update the house

on what action his department is taking to promote business and

community engagement ahead of Brexit? While there is a constant

dialogue between business. -- well, there is. Business, Government and

the voluntary sector and we are making sure Cabinet members and

colleagues are fully -- fully understand and get the best possible

deal for Northern Ireland. The agriculture sector creates 70,000

jobs. It's also 3.25% of the Northern Ireland gross value and

that equates to some ?1.1 billion of the basic prices. With the Minister

confirm that civil servant personnel will be in sufficient numbers to

ensure that a smooth transition for the UK out of the EU takes place?

Can I thank the honourable gentleman for the question? We do recognise

the importance of the sector in Northern Ireland. There is a good

dialogue between the sector and the department, and I know that Canada's

members have met leading food manufacturers and members of the

agriculture sector and that's dialogue will continue. Recent

reports from the United States show that advice given by our civil

servants to the US State Department prior to the referendum was...

Quote, Brexit cannot happen so don't worry about it. Was this same crass

advice being given to our partners, especially to the Irish Government?

Can I just say that I don't recognise the comments that have

just been made. We have a good relationship with the Irish

Government and we'll continue that's dialogue and work with them.

Question on six, Mr Speaker. The Secretary of State has established a

business advisory group to help understand economic priorities of

the Northern Ireland business Trinity. A series of sectoral

meetings have already been made, including with the agricultural food

sector, manufacturing and gate of industries. I thank my honourable

friend for that answer. What impact does my honourable friend think the

Government's industrial strategy will have in revamping the private

sector in Northern Ireland? What discussions is he having with the

executive on this topic? I think it's important to recognise the huge

contribution, some ?23 billion, which is incorporated in the

industrial sector and strategy. I also recognise the movement and

growth in the private sector business. Some 14,410 jobs in the

last year alone. Thank you. I'm sure the Minister will agree that the

lower end of the corporation tax in Northern Ireland has certainly

helped the economy and companies for somebody also agree that one area

that we all need to concentrate on, and that is productivity? I do

recognise the points that the honourable gentleman make the

magnates. We are working closely with the executive to raise

productivity. I know they have a really important budget coming of

any future and we've made a commitment around ?250 million of

capital investment to assist in that process. Will my honourable friend

welcome the additional ?250 million of X manager that has been provided

to the Northern Ireland expenditure in the Autumn Statement and does he

agree that this law free opportunity from the executive to be up, improve

in the structure in the future? Completely agree with that

statement. There has been some huge growth in jobs in Northern Ireland.

Nearly 60,000 new jobs since 2010. We need to keep building on the

great step that we have made. The Government working with the

executive is a key part of that. Could I also be associated with the

condolences offered in in respect of Danny Murphy, who is a powerful poor

dot-mac force for reconciliation and mutual understanding. Not only on

the island of Ireland but also between Ireland and Britain. Could I

under tarmac at the Minister if he would reconsider the report on the

visitor economy, in particular the recent report into apprenticeships

with particular reference to flexible electors cult-like ability?

-- fiscal flexibility. Can I also associate myself with those

condolences with Danny Murphy's death? Looking to the fiscal

flexibility, the Newcastle airshow is a really important part of the

economy and I want to make a contribution to that as well, and in

the near future, be more active than that. The campaign to give more

powers to the SMB, reduce corporation tax, Unite all political

parties in Northern Ireland, all of Northern Irish business, they said

they would double the turnover, workforce if they could get... Could

the Minister tell me if you will give every opportunity to push the

assembly and get this through? I recognise the contribution my

honourable friend has made in trying to achieve this. It's right that we

do challenging the executive fiscal response tea is an important part of

that process. There is an important budget coming up in the moment and I

know there is a dialogue going on about that. Number seven. Good

progress has been made on in permitting the agreement, that is

relevant to bill for reform, a joint agency task force to tackle crime

and executive strategy to disband military groups. And ending

paramilitary activity. Something vital to the economic success of

Northern Ireland is enlarging on progress in the specific areas, will

he do so? I think we have made Pacific significant progress and if

you consider the progress from this time last year, there have been

brought in steps forward. There are still additional steps to be taken,

including the establishment of an independent fiscal council to

publish an annual report on the executive 's's finances and provide

further assurance on progress. Good ISOs yet my colleagues and I with

the tributes paid to both Austin Hunter and Danny Murphy? -- could I

associate myself. Can we get the assurance that...

CHEERING That she will not allow the Stormont

house agreement and a fresh start agreement to be an picked? And with

the legacy issues, will be hold fast on national security and not allow

those who want to rewrite the history of the past to do so? IM

very clear on the need to continue to make progress in relation to

Stormont house and in relation to fresh start. There have been

significant steps forward but equally I will not be party to a be

writing of the issues of the past and that is why proportionate

approach is required. Thank you. Part of Stormont house agreement is

the legacy issues. Almost weekly, there is news items, these prejudice

up and coming cases, giving just one side of the story. Will the

Secretary of State take action so that we don't have future cases

prejudiced with stories in the newspapers, or will he pours the

legacy issue? I think it's important that the rule of law is clearly

upheld and appropriate investigations are undertaken but I

do take the point that I made earlier on about imbalance within

the existing system. The fact that 90% of those who lose their lives

was their lives due to terrorism. That by the new bodies are important

to deliver that balanced proportionate approach. Question

number eight. I have met with and continue to meet with counterparts

in the Irish garment as they prepare for the UK's exit from the EU. The

UK - Irish relationship has never been stronger. In the coming months,

we were deep in corporation -- we will be in cooperation and deal with

matters that are in the best interests of Northern Ireland. It is

the closest of importance that the relationship between the UK and

Northern Ireland remains. Will you negotiate with the EU under half of

Northern Ireland alongside the UK to ensure the maintenance of existing

relationships with the Republic? I will make sure Northern Ireland

remains part of the United Kingdom and I will speak on the behalf of

the Northern Ireland when it comes to negotiations in leaving the EU.

Good ISOs yet myself with the remarks of the condolences to the

family of Danny Murphy and Austin Hunter? Could I also at least

Secretary of State that he recognise the real needs for this boat and

in-depth protection for all aspects of the Good Friday agreement and

Belfast agreement? And that we meet that. Order, order. The honourable

gentleman is asking for protections for Northern Ireland in respect of

the Good Friday agreement. This is an extremely important matter. The

honourable gentleman should be able to articulate for his constituents

with the respectful audience. -- a respectable audience. But the

Secretary of State agree with me that there is a need for this book

and in-depth protection for all aspects of the Good Friday Belfast

agreement and the need for the constitution and principles of that

agreement to be given full recognition in any future UK - EU

treaty? And that Northern Ireland's unique interest will not in any way

be satisfied via near consultation with the first and Deputy First

Minister? My right honourable friend the Prime

Minister is in Bahrain. Mr Speaker, this morning I had meeting with

ministerial colleagues and others and in addition to my duties in this

House, I shall have further such meetings in this House later today.

Yesterday's signing of a memorandum of understanding with