Live Northern Ireland Questions House of Commons

Welcome to the BBC's coverage of the House of Commons. There will be too

urgent questions. The first is tabled by deadbeat Abrahams about

payments regulations and the second comes from the women and equality

committee Mariah Miller about women wearing headscarves in the

workplace. Then the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, will make a

statement on national insurance contributions and Priti Patel will

update the Commons on issues relating to Isis, or Daesh. Do join

me for a round-up of the day in both houses at 11pm tonight, and before

that, we have questions for the Secretary of State for Northern

Ireland about private legislation. All that! Order! The clerk will now

receive two read the title of the private bill set down for

consideration. Second reading. Wednesday the 22nd of March. Thank

you. Order! Questions for the Secretary of State for Northern

Ireland. Minister, Chris Hopkins. I condemn the irresponsible and the

disgraceful comments by Jeremy McGrath, I support the judiciary in

Northern Ireland and any attack on them is an acceptable. I thank the

Minister for his response, but what I am calling on is asked to contact

the PPS that man released on licence, a man with a lengthy

history of violence is not being pursued by DP S N I. What will the

Minister do to ensure action is taken. Thank you. I thank the

honourable gentleman for his question. I reiterate a condemnation

of his comments, Gerry McGrath, but if we are given the relevant

information and consider whether we can suspend the license. It's up for

the commissioners to discuss that. It would be wrong for us to try to

fix the system further down. I trust our police service, and the PPS to

make the right decision. The Minister will know that he did not

receive a comfort lesson, but that scheme of those on the run, operated

by both Labour and Conservative governments was utterly deplorable,

immoral and wrong. Can you confirm whether anything like this is on the

table for Sinn Fein at this time? I think that would be very helpful.

The Government is committed to resolving issues in Northern

Ireland, and I believe parties in Northern Ireland share this

commitment. I will continue to return to Belfast to establish a

partnership executive in the short time frame available. Progress has

been made that needs to continue with urgency in order to achieve a

positive outcome. I, as a nurse, am acutely aware that a budget needs to

be set to insure public services are adequately funded, but without a

Northern Ireland executive in place it is almost impossible. Does he

share my fear is that failure to restore an executive is putting

Northern Ireland in severe financial risk? I think my honourable friend

highlights some of the issues regarding setting a budget for

Northern Ireland which is a key priority. She highlights the health

service and I pay tribute to those working there. There's a sense of

opportunity that new executive can take forward and ?120 million that

was taken into account. This could take Northern Ireland forward. May I

first, on behalf of my colleagues express my condolences to those

families of the crew 's in that Northern Ireland helicopter that

crashed. We would like to spread deep sympathy at this time. Also,

George Gilmore, murdered in Carrickfergus. An appalling crime

carried out it appears to be by loyalist paramilitary. We need to

move forward on the Stormont House agreement, tacking the pal a

paramilitary. I agree with the honourable gentleman in his current

thoughts about the crew of the Irish helicopter. It's a terrible tragedy

and I know the whole House will share that and I join with him in

condemning that appalling murder that has taken place. I have spoken

to DPS and I and I know they are actively pursuing lines of enquiry.

-- PNSI. I will continue to work to confront that scourge. There's no

reason for it at all. We are trying to put ?25 million towards the

importance of that work. The Secretary of State will be aware

that this party is absolutely and totally committed getting devolution

back. We didn't create that present crisis. Others walked away. We are

determined to restore this as quickly as possible. We heard what

they write Minister had to say. Can the Minister confirm that the Irish

Republic's involvement is limited to strands two and three when it is

regarding the Republic. I can certainly give him that

contemplation. The Irish Government will be playing in that context, and

the responsibilities we all feel in seeing a devolved Government getting

back, delivering for Northern Ireland. That is something I know

all the parties recognise. Having been a member of Parliament prior to

devolution, I'm aware of the total inadequacy of direct rule. Can my

honourable friend ensure that he is undertaking these negotiations with

the utmost urgency to get a deal on devolved Government. I can give that

confirmation, because devolved Government is the only thing I'm

working towards, recognising that that is what the people of Northern

Ireland voted for and wanted to see. Delivering that change, that

positive impact on peoples lives and that's the urgency we are

approaching with. I'm pleased to hear from the honourable gentleman

that he is rolling out the direct rule option. But what is the

contingency if there is no agreement reached, and will he extend that

period if no agreement is reached? What I would say to the honourable

lady, is that the UK Government takes its responsibility seriously

when it comes to political responsibility, but the real intent

is there in securing an agreement in that three-week period. I believe it

is achievable. And it's weird that goodwill and approach that I believe

the parties will engage to achieve that outcome and speculating on

alternative approaches is not helpful. Can I echo the comments for

the member of the member for Belfast North on those who have recently

lost their lives. We will be behind the Secretary of State in trying to

re-establish after these re-elections. But if local

politicians are wise enough not to form an administration, would he

consider taking measures to cease paying salaries and expenses to

those who have been elected? I think my honourable friend is equally

highlighting a report that was published in the last week on this

very issue. I would say to him that my focus and intent is in getting

the parties to get together to reach that agreement in three weeks. I

think that is doable with urgency, with a sense of goodwill. It's a

rather sombre day because it marks the Ides of March, but this Friday,

we will have a chance to fail glorious and Patrick, and may I wish

you and the House wish you a happy Saint Patrick's Day in advance. And

I can't remember a more serious time since the Good Friday agreement was

signed. May I say to my colleagues that normal hostilities are

suspended. We will be offering unequivocal support to the Minister,

and the Government and the time -- and the time for working together is

here and now. Has there been a round table plenary yet involving all the

parties? At the outset, can I thank the honourable gentleman for his

support, and the cross-party nature of the approach that is shared on

this serious issue. We want to get an executive back into place,

delivering the Northern Ireland, following through on the

expectations of the public. I hope people understand that I'm not going

to provide a running narrative in regard to the talks, but what I can

say to him is that progress is being made, some significant issues still

need to be resolved but we are approaching this with good will. I'm

slightly concerned by the statement of the leader of one of the Northern

Ireland parties saying meetings had been cancelled. Have you received

any representation from the charitable sector are that they are

experiencing due to the budgetary impasse? He makes an important

point. The budget has not yet been set and some of the uncertainty

means we need to see the executive in place within the three-week

timescale, because there could be a problem with a range of issues in

Northern Ireland. The faith community, the voluntary sector, and

the business community have said The Government stands firmly behind

the institutions of the Belfast agreement and its successors. I have

regular discussions with the Government on a number of issues and

our immediate priority is working with the parties to resume the

devolved administration. I'm grateful for that answer. The sexual

state will know that at the time of the Good Friday Agreement nearly 19

years ago the European Union also played a role alongside the British

and Irish governments. -- the Secretary of State. Does he know of

any support to maintain the institutional frameworks

particularly the institutional corporation that has been some

potent over the last two years. I think they're very strong

relationship between the UK Government executive and the

Government in Ireland, we stand behind our commitments to the

Belfast agreement and its successors. What I picked up at EU

level is a strong level of support for the Good Friday Agreement and

Belfast agreement. We are determined to get the best possible deal for

Northern Ireland recognising our commitment. Turning to the Good

Friday Agreement will he ensure that the disgraceful treatment of my

constituent Cockrell Major Denis Hutchings and others will be

addressed as part of any further discussions on the part of legacy

issues. I know she has raised the issue of a constituent in a number

of occasions and I pay tribute to her on her work as a constituency

MP. She will understand I am unable to comment on individual cases but I

can say that the current system in dealing to a range of issues related

to legacy is not working for anyone, not working for service personnel

are victims and why it is important we move forward on the Stormont

House bodies decree that their system that I think everyone agrees

is needed. Does the Secretary of State not understand that Brexit

could have implications for the standing and can say for some of the

implementation bodies are created on the Strand to the agreement? Does he

appreciate that stranded to after-hours common implementation

that could help to answer some of the problems Brexit creates. --

offers a common implementation. There was a discussion to EU and

related issues and I think it is important to recognise institutional

framework we have under the Belfast agreement. That is something we

support. I would draw the honourable gentleman 's attention to the White

Paper that highlighted that support and highlighted are recognition of

it. The Secretary of State will attend a belligerent utterance of

the former Sinn Fein director of Unionist engagement who said the

Prime Minister can stack are hard or soft border with the sun doesn't

shine. Can I invite the Secretary of State to remind Martina Anderson and

all those in Sinn Fein that the Good Friday Agreement is based on the

majority will of the people and it has not changed. We do stand behind

the Belfast agreement and the consent contained within it but I

know the right honourable gentleman will affect for the Prime Minister

said yesterday. There are significant issues we recognise

which is why we have said we do not want to see a return to borders of

the past while we recognise a desire for the expansive free trade with

the EU and it is important that we continue that dialogue that

discourse and focus on the important issues. My honourable friend is

quite right to refer to the role of the Irish Government and I pray to

Secretary of State for the good working relationship he has

established a Minister Flanagan. May I thank him for the statements made

by his minister yesterday at yet another one of the many St Patrick's

Day celebrations when he not only paid tribute to the role of our core

guarantor to the Good Friday Agreement, the Good Friday

Agreement, but the ambassador who leaving us far Dublin. I have

enjoyed and appreciated working with them and we wish them well on his

new and perhaps challenging and exciting new role he has and wish

them well in that context. I think it is important to underline that

the strong relationship we have at the Irish Government on a range of

issues. Like to see that continue in the future and that engagement will

be continued with that spirit and mind. -- spirit in mind. With

permission, I would like to answer questions and four, seven, nine and

ten together. Nearly 65% of the Northern Ireland electorate voted

for continued devolved Government. I have seen a shared willingness of

the parties to engage in intense discussions acknowledging what is to

be at stake if an executive is the ball. I believe that with continued

positive intent we can secure a resolution that sees devolved

Government return. I welcome that and the economic success story that

is the Northern Irish economy over the past two years. Would my right

honourable friend agree that a key part of that success has been

effective stable power-sharing Government which is another reason

for all parties to resolve this as swiftly as possible? I do recognise

that my honourable friend is right to highlight some of the really

important successes we have seen at the Northern Ireland economy and I

would point again to the Labour Martic survey statistics -- market.

60,000 more jobs in 2010 underlining what has been achieved and can be

achieved with a strong executive in case. I wish my right honourable

friend well in the discussions currently taking place in Northern

Ireland. As he agree that whatever the issues need to be devolved

Government remains far and away the best option for Northern Ireland

within the UK? I strongly agree with what my honourable friend said. I

think that the public voted overwhelmingly and very clearly with

that increased turnout to see devolved Government back into place

delivering for Northern Ireland and that is what I'm determined to see

as well. Does my right honourable friend agree that the results of the

assembly election demonstrated the overwhelming majority of people in

Northern Ireland desire is strong and stable the bold Government? Yes

I do and it is that stability that is able to bring about further

positive change of Northern Ireland, releasing further foreign direct

investment coming and more jobs created or stop that is why I

strongly supported I do know that vision is shared by the parties.

Will he confirm that in all the Government the Government will

maintain full that support for the Belfast agreement? And particularly

that the position of Northern Ireland within the union will always

be determined by the principle of consent? A smack all the

discussions. -- all the discussions. We do and I'm also very clear that

the support we see of the institutions and structures. Can I

offer condolences to those who lost life this week particularly those

may the Irish coastguard who do so much good work in the north and

particularly in my constituency of Southdown. Brexit is a crucial

factor in the current political landscape in Northern Ireland and

should be part of the ongoing talks process. Can the Secretary of State

confirm that the issue of single stat this way you're not going back

to any borders is a feature of the stocks? -- of these talks. We

recognise the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland and is economy

and geography and history and ensure these are properly taken into

account as we prepare for EU exit. We want to ensure those issues are

properly in the negotiations ahead to get the best possible deal for

Northern Ireland. What does the Secretary of State see as a great

stumbling blocks in the current process and how confident is either

a deal will be established by March 27? As I have indicated a tanker

deal can be achieved with goodwill and with a real sense of urgency

with the discussions ahead. There are issues that still need to be

overcome. I do not think it would be helpful to provide that running a

narrative that I have already said I think would not be constructive. I

would urge people to continue to engage and continue to be involved

in intensive talks because that is the way we will do it. Sammy Wilson.

Can I extend my condolences to my constituent Mr Gummer who was

murdered by pal acknowledges this week. -- Gilmore. -- paramilitaries.

Does he hold out much chance of success in these talks and if not

will he moved quickly to fill a budget gap left by Sinn Fein? I

think this remains doable and I think that is important message we

need to underline. Time is short and there are a range of issues that

still need to be discussed and agreed upon. I think it is that need

for our positive tent and all sides and that the best way. -- positive

intent. These are extremely matters affecting Northern Ireland whose

people might think it extremely and courteous if we do not have an

intent healing. -- healing. Will the Secretary of State agree that there

is some information that is so sensitive it could never going to

the public domain because it would put lives at risk? I do agree.

Although experience as a previous of state. -- with that experience as a

previous Secretary of State she knows national security remains our

primary responsibility of the United Kingdom Government and we would

continue to have that at the forefront of our minds. Minister

Hopkins. He can bask in his unpopularity. I

take it was not for me. It ensures cross-party communication and the

Government is committed to upholding the constitutional settlement as

outlined in the Belfast agreement and its successors. The priority

must be to persuade all the parties back into Government in Northern

Ireland to avoid the prospect of direct rule. Given the recent

instability and longer term is not worth having a discussion about

having a new form of Government involving our Government and

opposition? I thank him for his question that would not consider a

review at this moment in time. The focus is helping the parties come

back together and form an executive. As the talks emerge over the next

two weeks with the Minister of State agree that a likely consensus is

going to emerge around the Stormont House agreement and all of the

content spelling and that we should base progress and hopefully

agreement that rather than wish list which have no opportunity of

success? I think it would be appropriate to build around the

common consensus that has opened at the moment. There were already been

agreements around Stormont House and that will be the centrepoint our

talks of the moment. The Government will continue to use every possible

opportunity to promote Northern Ireland as a world-class to list

destination. -- tourists. Tourism in Northern Ireland generates ?764

million and attracts 4.5 million visitors a year. In light of Brexit

what steps will be taking a partnership to ensure that even

further tourist growth is delivered? There is commitment for industrial

strategy and engagement with all sectors at the moment in Northern

Ireland and also additional funding of ?600 million per year for the

great campaign. Doctor Alistair MacDonald. Does the Secretary of

State accept that tourism has the potential to make an even greater

contribution to the Northern Ireland economy and will he take steps to

ensure there are adequate resources invested in the Northern Irish

tourist board and tourism in Ireland to ensure that we marketed? Just

last week the Chancellor committed additional money to fund in Northern

Ireland. I would say that is the responsibility to get an executive

back. To every member of this household go and visit Northern

Ireland and take a weekend break an amazing place to visit. Sir Geoffrey

Donaldson. In the wake of the judgment. Number eight. This

Government is unstinting in admiration of their role our Armed

Forces played in Northern Ireland and the democracy that is secured.

The current process is addressed in the past is not working as my friend

the Secretary of State said earlier and new legal bodies will be in

place by fair balance in the system. S the honourable gentleman. In the

wake of the scrapping of the Iraq enquiries and the judgment today in

the case of Alexander Blackman is it not time that the Government

provided legal protection to the men and woman who serve this country on

the front line? This Government is never moves away its obligation to

care for those veterans and what I would say is I know you're very

passionate about looking after our Armed Forces personnel. If you would

like to meet and discuss this further I am more than willing to do

that. Questions to the Prime Minister.