28/03/2017

:00:08. > :00:13.-- will the Foreign Secretary make representations? I think he's

:00:14. > :00:42.repairing to the Americans. There have been numerous barbaric

:00:43. > :00:47.air strikes by the Assad regime in the United States of investigating

:00:48. > :00:50.and will produce a full report. We must now move on. Statement, the

:00:51. > :01:01.Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

:01:02. > :01:06.Games broken sure. With permission I would like to make a statement on

:01:07. > :01:10.recent events in Northern Ireland. Since the Northern Ireland election

:01:11. > :01:12.on the 7th of March, I have been engaged with talks of the political

:01:13. > :01:14.parties and Irish government in line with the well-established three

:01:15. > :01:16.stranded porch. There has been one clear purpose, to re-establish and

:01:17. > :01:18.includes a devolved administration that stored in accordance with the

:01:19. > :01:21.1998 Belfast agreement and its successors. Progress has been made

:01:22. > :01:23.on a number of visual stop these include on budget, a programme for

:01:24. > :01:25.government, and ways of producing transparency and accountability. We

:01:26. > :01:27.have seen further steps forward on ways to implement the Stormont House

:01:28. > :01:29.agreement, to provide better outcomes for victims and survivors

:01:30. > :01:32.of the Troubles. In addition, progress was made and around how the

:01:33. > :01:38.parties might come together... It is clear that significant gaps remain

:01:39. > :01:44.between the parties, particularly over the issues surrounding culture

:01:45. > :01:47.and identity. Throughout this process, the government has been

:01:48. > :01:51.active in making positive proposals to try and bridge those gaps and

:01:52. > :01:58.help the parties to move things forward. In law, the period allowed

:01:59. > :02:01.to form an executive from the date of the first sitting of the assembly

:02:02. > :02:07.after an election is 14 days. That 14 day period expired at 4pm

:02:08. > :02:12.yesterday with no agreement, and therefore no executive. This is a

:02:13. > :02:18.source of deep disappointment and regret to me and many, and I know

:02:19. > :02:47.there is widespread dismay across the country.

:02:48. > :02:50.From all my extensive engagement across Northern Ireland, with

:02:51. > :02:52.business, civil society and members of the public, I'm in no doubt

:02:53. > :02:55.inclusive, devolved government is what the overwhelming majority of

:02:56. > :02:57.the people want to see. Working for them, delivering on their priorities

:02:58. > :02:59.and continuing the positive progress we have seen in Northern Ireland

:03:00. > :03:01.over recent years. Devolved institutions up and running and

:03:02. > :03:03.serving the whole community. Yet following the passing of yesterday's

:03:04. > :03:05.deadline in Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland has no devolved

:03:06. > :03:06.administration. This also means other elements in the Belfast

:03:07. > :03:08.agreement -- agreement, including the North and South bodies, cannot

:03:09. > :03:10.operate properly. The consequences of all of this are potentially

:03:11. > :03:14.extremely serious. The most immediate is the fact we are rapidly

:03:15. > :03:18.approaching the point at which Northern Ireland will not have an

:03:19. > :03:23.agreed budget. From tomorrow, a civil servant, the Department of

:03:24. > :03:29.Finance permanent Secretary, will exercise powers to allocate cash to

:03:30. > :03:35.Northern Ireland departments. This is an interim measure designed to

:03:36. > :03:44.ensure services are maintained until a budget is agreed. We are keeping

:03:45. > :03:50.close contact with Northern Ireland on these matters, and I understand

:03:51. > :04:06.Department of financial set this up today. Beyond a short period of

:04:07. > :04:08.time, this will have an impact on public services. What we're talking

:04:09. > :04:10.about is the health service, schools, voluntary groups and

:04:11. > :04:13.services for the most vulnerable in society. This is not what people

:04:14. > :04:16.voted for on the 2nd of March top during the course of the past 24

:04:17. > :04:18.hours, I have spoken to the leaders of the five main Northern Ireland

:04:19. > :04:21.parties and the Irish government. I'm encouraged that there remains a

:04:22. > :04:28.strong willingness to continue engaging in dialogue with a view to

:04:29. > :04:32.resolving outstanding issues and forming an executive. And that must

:04:33. > :04:40.absolutely remain a priority. The window of opportunity is short. It

:04:41. > :04:43.is essential we are for that the intensity of discussions is stepped

:04:44. > :04:48.up, with renewed intent and focus. And I believe a positive outcome

:04:49. > :04:55.remains possible. To that end, I will continue over the coming days

:04:56. > :04:59.to approach the Irish government as appropriate, and I will keep the

:05:00. > :05:04.situation under close review. If these talks are successful, it would

:05:05. > :05:10.be my intention quickly to bring forward legislation after the Easter

:05:11. > :05:14.recess to allow an executive to be formed, avoiding a second assembly

:05:15. > :05:19.election, for which I detect a little public appetite. I am also

:05:20. > :05:23.determined to take forward the legacy bodies in the Stormont House

:05:24. > :05:28.agreement and accordance with manifesto commitments, and will

:05:29. > :05:36.involve a range of interested parties, including victims

:05:37. > :05:41.commissioner. But in the absence of devolved government, it is

:05:42. > :05:43.ultimately for the UK Government to provide for stability and

:05:44. > :05:46.governance. We do not want to see a return to direct rule. As our

:05:47. > :05:50.manifesto set out at the last election, it stated local services

:05:51. > :06:01.should be determined by locally elected politicians and accountable

:06:02. > :06:05.institutions. But should talks not succeed, the government will have to

:06:06. > :06:09.consider all options. Therefore following the Easter recess, as a

:06:10. > :06:13.minimum, it would be my intention to bring forward legislation to set a

:06:14. > :06:18.regional rate to enable local councils to carry out their

:06:19. > :06:22.functions. And to provide further assurance around the budget for

:06:23. > :06:27.Northern Ireland. It is vital that devolved governments and all of the

:06:28. > :06:33.under the institutions success of agreements is returned to Northern

:06:34. > :06:37.Ireland as soon as possible. The government's unrelenting focus is on

:06:38. > :06:42.achieving that objective. Northern Ireland need strong, devolved

:06:43. > :06:45.governments to deliver for teachers, doctors and nurses, businesses,

:06:46. > :06:56.industry and the wider community. To ensure it plays a full role in the

:06:57. > :07:01.affairs of our United Kingdom. And to continue the work of the past two

:07:02. > :07:04.decades, to build stronger, peaceful and prosperous future for all. That

:07:05. > :07:09.needs to be the focus of everyone as we approach the crucial next few

:07:10. > :07:17.days and weeks. I commend the statement to the House. David

:07:18. > :07:26.Andersen. Thank you. I take this opportunity to begin by sending my

:07:27. > :07:36.condolences to the family of PC Kieth Palmer, -- Keith Palmer.

:07:37. > :07:39.Things have changed dramatically since the Secretary of State last

:07:40. > :07:49.gave a statement to the House and called an election. The result of

:07:50. > :07:54.the election reflects political institutions not delivering the way

:07:55. > :07:58.the public to expect. We need a significant change in direction that

:07:59. > :08:12.includes more governments as well as parties on the ground. They are not

:08:13. > :08:17.just innocent observers, the public, the need this sad episode brought to

:08:18. > :08:26.an end. We need direct and continuing intervention. From this

:08:27. > :08:42.House, we must make sure that the hands of. Let them get on with it.

:08:43. > :08:50.The people of Northern Ireland have spoken, and they have said clearly

:08:51. > :08:54.there are no longer any minorities in the place they call home. They

:08:55. > :09:02.want to be treated fairly, but the man that we get our act together now

:09:03. > :09:08.and move forward on things pledged to them many years ago. Feel your to

:09:09. > :09:14.do so is fraught with danger. The Secretary of State says the budget

:09:15. > :09:18.has not been signed off. That will start impacting on businesses and

:09:19. > :09:23.the general public. It is not fair to expect the Northern Ireland

:09:24. > :09:26.Office to run Northern Ireland again. Brexit negotiations in

:09:27. > :09:33.Northern Ireland are the most sensitive in all parts of the United

:09:34. > :09:37.Kingdom. The European Commission's lead negotiator has identified

:09:38. > :09:38.indications for the peace process as one of three main priorities to

:09:39. > :10:04.enter the negotiations. We all have a stake in this process.

:10:05. > :10:08.We cannot turn our backs on this situation as many advocated in the

:10:09. > :10:13.1970s and 80s. Our collective future is at stake and nothing should get

:10:14. > :10:19.in the way. The parties on the ground needed to take a long hard

:10:20. > :10:24.look at themselves and stop selling this is what we want and start

:10:25. > :10:29.saying what can we give to move forward. It is not easy, but it is

:10:30. > :10:32.the only chance we have the resolve this. Mr Speaker, I haven't even

:10:33. > :10:37.mentioned the force of the final straw in Northern Ireland was the

:10:38. > :10:42.debacle that is the Renewable Heat Initiative. I call on the Secretary

:10:43. > :10:44.of State to ask to look at whether financial burden in Bristol and the

:10:45. > :10:50.people of Northern Ireland by this failure is limited and reasonable. I

:10:51. > :10:54.say to the Secretary of State, among others envy you for the job that

:10:55. > :10:59.this is due. We all want this to succeed. We should use all avenues

:11:00. > :11:03.to reach that goal and I would like to ask the following questions.

:11:04. > :11:06.Would he consider whether external support will help them reach an

:11:07. > :11:11.agreement? History tells us that sometimes it is necessary and I can

:11:12. > :11:14.show him that in recent talks with good friends of the peace process

:11:15. > :11:22.from USC eight, they remain ready to help. We ensure that the Irish

:11:23. > :11:26.government has hands-on involvement in the talks? Will he ensure that

:11:27. > :11:31.the Prime Minister is fully engaged in the process? History has shown us

:11:32. > :11:38.the real difference that can make. Will he ensure that unlike so far

:11:39. > :11:43.there or multilateral, all-party talks set up as soon as possible in

:11:44. > :11:47.the coming days? Mr Speaker, no one wants this to fail. That is

:11:48. > :11:51.especially true of my party. We have a great deal invested in this

:11:52. > :11:57.process and we do not want to see it collapse. Hopefully we can reach a

:11:58. > :12:01.deal as soon as possible. This process has been build a

:12:02. > :12:05.partnership, compromise and consensus. We have to build the

:12:06. > :12:08.faith and confidence not just in the institutions, but much more

:12:09. > :12:13.importantly, across the whole population of Northern Ireland. This

:12:14. > :12:20.cannot be done unless politicians on one side are prepared to move from

:12:21. > :12:25.the entrenched positions. Mr Speaker, this is not just abstract

:12:26. > :12:28.debate for me. For 12 years, from 1993, I had the privilege to

:12:29. > :12:33.represent 30,000 public sector workers in Northern Ireland. Many of

:12:34. > :12:38.them spent years cleaning up the fault of the actions of field

:12:39. > :12:41.politicians and terrorists. The ambulance personnel ignored the risk

:12:42. > :12:47.to their lives to save the lives of others. The nurses dealt with the

:12:48. > :12:53.mutilated, the traumatised and the dying. The porters were sharp end

:12:54. > :12:59.with the fallout from yet another sectarian shooting. The social

:13:00. > :13:02.workers helped the breed, those suffering from addiction and those

:13:03. > :13:06.who are simply lost. Because officers tried desperately to find

:13:07. > :13:11.homes for those burnt or bombed out simply because of their religion.

:13:12. > :13:17.The community workers tried to convince young men and women facing

:13:18. > :13:20.life on the dole that putting on a balaclava and picking up a gun was

:13:21. > :13:25.not the way forward. It is these people and their children we are

:13:26. > :13:33.letting down. Every time we say no or we can't or won't we betrayed the

:13:34. > :13:40.trust they have put in us. These people did their job, it is time for

:13:41. > :13:47.us all to do ours. I am grateful to the right honourable gentleman for

:13:48. > :13:52.his clear comments on what is at stake here. Yes, this is about those

:13:53. > :13:58.very individuals that he spoke to in his final contribution. Around the

:13:59. > :14:04.health service, education, on the progress we have seen in Northern

:14:05. > :14:09.Ireland is such a positive and constructive development and we all

:14:10. > :14:14.have that showed determination and shared commitment to ensure that

:14:15. > :14:17.that progresses into the future and that young people growing up in

:14:18. > :14:23.Northern Ireland can look to the future with a strong, positive

:14:24. > :14:27.intent of fulfilling their dreams, ambitions, aspirations and hopes. I

:14:28. > :14:36.think that is a message that we can all agree on as we look to the days

:14:37. > :14:39.ahead. He asked me a number of questions in relation to the process

:14:40. > :14:45.moving forward and I would just say to him that there is no hands of

:14:46. > :14:49.road by this government in relation to Northern Ireland. We take our

:14:50. > :14:54.responsibilities very seriously in relation to political stability and

:14:55. > :14:57.performance and, fundamentally, that sense of devolved government serving

:14:58. > :15:01.the people of Northern Ireland and that is profoundly what we want to

:15:02. > :15:08.see restored at the earliest opportunity. On the issues that he

:15:09. > :15:12.highlights, on various different rows of different people and

:15:13. > :15:17.organisations, I can say to him that the Irish government have been

:15:18. > :15:22.actively involved over the last days and I pay tribute to the work of

:15:23. > :15:27.Charlie Flanagan, the Irish Foreign Minister, who has worked alongside

:15:28. > :15:30.me, consistent with the three stranded approach that governs these

:15:31. > :15:36.discussions and governance of the framework and he has played an

:15:37. > :15:40.extremely important part and has underlined the Irish government's

:15:41. > :15:47.continued support for the devolved administration and the broader

:15:48. > :15:51.institutions set out in the Belfast agreement and its successors are

:15:52. > :15:56.able to function effectively and properly, which is what devolved

:15:57. > :16:00.government sits at the heart of in terms of seeing the structure of

:16:01. > :16:03.fulfilling its intent the Prime Minister has been fully engaged in

:16:04. > :16:06.this process and the Prime Minister has been fully engaged in this

:16:07. > :16:09.process and remains so. She has had a number of conversations with the

:16:10. > :16:18.Taoiseach and I have been keeping her very fairer and understanding

:16:19. > :16:22.the need to see that progress and supporting this process and will

:16:23. > :16:26.continue to do so. The right honourable gentleman highlights the

:16:27. > :16:30.issues of others who may be able to provide support. The important thing

:16:31. > :16:36.to recognise here is that at its fundamentals, this is about the

:16:37. > :16:42.parties themselves coming together, devolved elements of agreement and

:16:43. > :16:45.the scope for outside partners is limited in terms of what that can

:16:46. > :16:52.support and achieve. It is important in this context but about how we can

:16:53. > :16:58.best find a way forward with that positive outcome. We are looking at

:16:59. > :17:01.that intensification, but strengthening of the process moving

:17:02. > :17:06.forward, working with the parties and I will continue to be discussing

:17:07. > :17:09.with the parties in the immediate ours and days said the nature that

:17:10. > :17:15.we have that process in place to get positive outcome that they

:17:16. > :17:19.themselves have said they want to see. They want to see the return to

:17:20. > :17:23.devolved government, seeing an Executive performance from the

:17:24. > :17:27.people of Northern Ireland. We need to support them in that war,

:17:28. > :17:30.galvanise them and give them all assistance to achieve that outcome

:17:31. > :17:33.and I know that is what This House would endorse and that is the work

:17:34. > :17:40.this government intends to bring about. In an attempt to accommodate

:17:41. > :17:44.the extensive interest in this subject, appealed to colleagues to

:17:45. > :17:48.ask brief questions without long preamble and, to the Secretary of

:17:49. > :17:55.State, to offer us characteristically pithy replies.

:17:56. > :17:59.Can I think the Secretary of State for advanced copy of his statement

:18:00. > :18:03.and for engaging with me as chairman of the Select Committee regularly

:18:04. > :18:08.during this process. When people turned out to vote in greater

:18:09. > :18:11.numbers they did expect politicians to run affairs in Northern Ireland,

:18:12. > :18:15.not the civil servants and, given the way we are going, could those

:18:16. > :18:19.people not be forgiven for becoming disillusioned with the whole process

:18:20. > :18:22.of devolution if we are not careful and shouldn't we therefore remind

:18:23. > :18:29.all the parties in Northern Ireland that power-sharing means working

:18:30. > :18:31.with people you do not like and accepting positions that, perhaps,

:18:32. > :18:34.you would not automatically choose and if they do not do that then

:18:35. > :18:40.power-sharing will not have a future? I think Mike right

:18:41. > :18:44.honourable friend in his characteristic way has set out the

:18:45. > :18:47.real issues and challenges. I commend him and the Select Committee

:18:48. > :18:51.for their work in supporting activity and I appreciate the

:18:52. > :18:56.conversations I have had with him over recent days. There is a great

:18:57. > :19:00.deal at stake, it is about the parties recognising that need to

:19:01. > :19:04.reach out, as they have demonstrated in the past, and providing the

:19:05. > :19:09.context and ability for them to do so in the best interests of Northern

:19:10. > :19:13.Ireland. I thank the Secretary of State for advance sight of his

:19:14. > :19:20.statement. Let me pay tribute to Martin McGuinness and in his late

:19:21. > :19:24.for the work they did in advancing devolution, their contribution was

:19:25. > :19:29.and remains important. Now, given that the negotiating position seemed

:19:30. > :19:34.set out in granite at the start of the process, it is little surprise

:19:35. > :19:37.there has been movement -- little movement. It is moved through steel

:19:38. > :19:42.made the deadlock the impasse without giving any impression of

:19:43. > :19:46.compromise. Given the two major parties appear to have enough cold

:19:47. > :19:49.shoulder left over to see them through the small window of

:19:50. > :19:53.opportunity the Secretary of State refers to come is it perhaps worth

:19:54. > :19:56.considering other options? That appears to be a presumption against

:19:57. > :20:00.having another election but that would seem to be when this is

:20:01. > :20:04.headed. What preparation is busy making for that new collection?

:20:05. > :20:08.Considering also that the election will come in the middle of the early

:20:09. > :20:12.Brexit negotiations, can he tell us what measures he is discussing that

:20:13. > :20:15.will allow Northern Ireland politicians to play a proper part in

:20:16. > :20:18.those negotiations and has he discussed with the premise to the

:20:19. > :20:22.possibility of delaying the Article 50 trigger question mark given the

:20:23. > :20:26.weight that Scotland has been treated over Article 50, I would

:20:27. > :20:31.advise against anyone holding their breath on that. In the longer term,

:20:32. > :20:34.is it perhaps time to revisit the principles of power-sharing and look

:20:35. > :20:41.once again had weathered the two largest parties should be able to

:20:42. > :20:45.hold the whole legislature in lockdown like this? Or perhaps it is

:20:46. > :20:51.time for Stormont to set its own rules on how an Executive gets

:20:52. > :20:54.formed? Finally, what consideration is being given the graduate salary

:20:55. > :21:02.spent on politicians in a legislature which is not sitting?

:21:03. > :21:04.Perhaps I can quickly run through some of the points the right

:21:05. > :21:11.honourable Lady has said and now there is no intent to figure Article

:21:12. > :21:16.50 late, but remains absolutely on course. The point she raises about

:21:17. > :21:21.the role of engaging people across Northern Ireland and that process is

:21:22. > :21:24.important. I have been engaged in talking to businesses, topping the

:21:25. > :21:28.communities, ensuring that force is recognised and understood. That is

:21:29. > :21:32.something which will continue into the future. What will be more

:21:33. > :21:38.powerful as having the Executive in place, particularly those views and

:21:39. > :21:42.making the case for Ireland. I also recognise the contribution of those

:21:43. > :21:47.who have gone before and the point she made at the outset of her

:21:48. > :21:50.question and, yes, how we need to reflect on the progress that has

:21:51. > :21:55.been made in looking to the future. She spoke about an election.

:21:56. > :22:00.Obviously, options remain open but I would say to her that there is no

:22:01. > :22:03.public appetite and I don't discern any broader appetite in relation to

:22:04. > :22:07.an election given we had won just over three weeks ago and the focus

:22:08. > :22:11.needs to be on getting agreement on getting the positive outcome,

:22:12. > :22:18.getting devolved government on its feet and that is the focus of work

:22:19. > :22:22.ahead. None of us in This House should underestimate how incredibly

:22:23. > :22:26.difficult it is for Northern Ireland's leaders to find common

:22:27. > :22:32.ground on issues such as legacy and identity, which have been the cause

:22:33. > :22:35.of tension and division for decades. Will the Secretary of State agreed

:22:36. > :22:40.that if they can find a way to bridge those last divisions, they

:22:41. > :22:44.will have the gratitude and support of the vast majority in Northern

:22:45. > :22:47.Ireland who want devolution to work and play its part in moving Northern

:22:48. > :22:54.Ireland forward toward a brighter and better future? I absolutely

:22:55. > :22:57.agree and recognise and commend my right honourable friend for the

:22:58. > :23:03.contribution she has made in that process. Yes, there are these issues

:23:04. > :23:07.of legacy and identity that have been hugely challenging over so many

:23:08. > :23:12.years, but I strongly discern that the will is there, the commitment is

:23:13. > :23:15.there to find a way forward and, as she rightly says, how that would

:23:16. > :23:23.have such an impact on generations to come. Yesterday the Democratic

:23:24. > :23:26.Unionist party was at Stormont, ready and willing, along with other

:23:27. > :23:30.parties, to form a government and set up the Executive. By the jury

:23:31. > :23:38.the election were previously were now have we said preconditions were

:23:39. > :23:41.set down red lines. We work in the Executive until November and we are

:23:42. > :23:45.determined to continue to try to make devolution work in Northern

:23:46. > :23:49.Ireland because we need a budget and functioning devolution. When Sinn

:23:50. > :23:52.Fein walked away and collapsed the Executive in January they left us

:23:53. > :23:55.without that budget without a functioning Executive at a very

:23:56. > :24:01.challenging time. They did the same yesterday. Mr Speaker, while we are

:24:02. > :24:05.determined to create the conditions for devolution and want devolution

:24:06. > :24:10.to work in partnership with Sinn Fein and others, we need a willing

:24:11. > :24:14.partner who are willing to realistically within the parameters

:24:15. > :24:18.the Northern Ireland with devolved government within the United

:24:19. > :24:23.Kingdom, within the institutions as agreed and with Brexit a reality.

:24:24. > :24:26.Some of us fear that Sinn Fein have now decided that the term for

:24:27. > :24:28.devolution is over and they are moving on to a different phase where

:24:29. > :24:35.Demi and ambition is light southward.

:24:36. > :24:45.I welcome his party's statement he has made on their commitment to

:24:46. > :24:48.continue to engage, to continue to work, to see devolved government

:24:49. > :24:51.getting back onto its feet again. I think that is an important point to

:24:52. > :24:58.underline as we look to the days ahead. And yes, there is this real

:24:59. > :25:02.challenge in relation to budget, and why I made the comment I did in my

:25:03. > :25:08.statement. It is that fact of needing to continue the dialogue, to

:25:09. > :25:14.give effect to what he has said. And I would certainly encourage him to

:25:15. > :25:18.maintain that focus, maintain the progress, I believe that a positive

:25:19. > :25:22.outcome is absolutely attainable. And obviously that duty we all feel

:25:23. > :25:25.in ensuring we reach that positive outcome and creating an executive

:25:26. > :25:33.that is delivering for the people of Northern Ireland. Can I thank him

:25:34. > :25:38.for the measured on balance statement, and for the manner which

:25:39. > :25:43.he has conducted negotiations so far. We all know this is not easy.

:25:44. > :25:46.He is right to say the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland, the

:25:47. > :25:51.vast majority of members of this House, want to see institutions up

:25:52. > :25:55.and running and the executive formed from the elected members. Would he

:25:56. > :26:01.agree with me that there is one measure that could put pressure on

:26:02. > :26:03.the parties to come back to the talks, and mate crystallised minds,

:26:04. > :26:10.which would be to make it clear that should be a elected members not form

:26:11. > :26:18.an executive, then the salaries and expenses will not be paid from the

:26:19. > :26:23.public purse? Again I welcome the contribution. Certainly we will keep

:26:24. > :26:29.all options under consideration. But the focus has to be on looking to

:26:30. > :26:32.that outcome that sees parties coming together and getting devolved

:26:33. > :26:38.government back on its feet at the earliest opportunity, because

:26:39. > :26:43.actually that is what people voted for. I share the frustrations of all

:26:44. > :26:49.those at the lack of progress in forming an administration, but as my

:26:50. > :26:51.noble friend has observed, the absence of an administration should

:26:52. > :26:55.not be a barrier to having a not be a barrier to having a

:26:56. > :27:04.functioning assembly, which is more important now than ever. And if the

:27:05. > :27:10.RHI issue remains in place, will he use his best officers to ensure that

:27:11. > :27:13.the judge's enquiry comes to the earliest possible conclusion and

:27:14. > :27:20.that we should not necessarily have to wait six months to see its

:27:21. > :27:25.outcome? The eye RHI enquiry is starting to take effect and I think

:27:26. > :27:28.everyone wants to see the answers and conclusion of that at the

:27:29. > :27:32.earliest opportunity. It is obviously what crystallised a lot of

:27:33. > :27:36.the situation we find ourselves in at the moment and I think it is

:27:37. > :27:41.important that reports as soon as possible. With public enquiries,

:27:42. > :27:50.they set their own timeline and procedures and processes in that

:27:51. > :27:53.way. But I think he makes a point very powerfully on the need to see

:27:54. > :28:03.the conclusion and ensure that we are able to make things on and be

:28:04. > :28:05.seen to be moving things on as well. Because of its bloody recent

:28:06. > :28:08.history, I think Northern Ireland has earned the absolute right to

:28:09. > :28:10.have a decent future. With my right honourable friend agree with me that

:28:11. > :28:17.a solution to the current impasse is crucial to the economic and social,

:28:18. > :28:23.as well as political, welfare of the children in Northern Ireland? Most,

:28:24. > :28:31.if not all of whom have never known the dark days of the third half of

:28:32. > :28:36.the 20th century. Yes, I do in terms of the positive outcome we should be

:28:37. > :28:39.looking for in terms of young people growing up in Northern Ireland. That

:28:40. > :28:44.is what government should be building on. We have seen increases

:28:45. > :28:47.in employment, prosperity in Northern Ireland, and I think that

:28:48. > :28:57.is at the heart of what everyone would want to see continuing. I

:28:58. > :29:01.thank the Secretary of State for his statement. He says progress has been

:29:02. > :29:06.made on how parties might come together. Does he accept that the

:29:07. > :29:12.impact of leaving the EU in Northern Ireland was a key issue in creating

:29:13. > :29:17.instability in the election, but also in the talks, and it must be

:29:18. > :29:22.addressed urgently? What progress was made in the discussions and we

:29:23. > :29:29.does the progress it today? Will he convened the first roundtable of the

:29:30. > :29:32.talks, because my understanding is there has not been one of all

:29:33. > :29:47.parties, to establish a common approach and strategy for Northern

:29:48. > :29:49.Ireland. I do not agree with the assessment in relation to the

:29:50. > :29:54.European Union, and obviously the steps that lie ahead. I again

:29:55. > :29:58.underlined the sense of the continued engagement focus I have on

:29:59. > :30:03.this, in ensuring the voice of Northern Ireland continues to be

:30:04. > :30:08.heard, and helps to shape the best possible outcome for Northern

:30:09. > :30:11.Ireland as we look to the departure from the EU ahead. He speaks about

:30:12. > :30:16.the process moving forward, and I can assure him of the focus on

:30:17. > :30:20.intensification, of seeing we do get that more inclusive approach to the

:30:21. > :30:25.discussions ahead because I think that is what will actually provide

:30:26. > :30:27.the strongest possible foundations to get back positive outcome and get

:30:28. > :30:33.the executive back on its feet again. With Article 50 about to be

:30:34. > :30:39.triggered in the next 24 hours and the impact of that to be

:30:40. > :30:42.significant, what representation has been made under half of Northern

:30:43. > :30:45.Ireland that the GMC meetings so that the people of Northern Ireland

:30:46. > :30:51.are not left behind in Brexit negotiations? My honourable friend

:30:52. > :31:03.highlights the role the executive has played to date, and I would

:31:04. > :31:10.point to the joint letter regarding... Some very significant

:31:11. > :31:17.issues in respect of order and other issues, on the single electricity

:31:18. > :31:23.market and agricultural foods. We will be very much in our thoughts as

:31:24. > :31:29.we prepare for the days ahead. How will the discussions to come be

:31:30. > :31:31.different to the talks we have had so far? What fresh initiatives is

:31:32. > :31:35.the Secretary of State proposing, and wouldn't one be to get the Prime

:31:36. > :31:57.Minister to Belfast as soon as possible, and involve the tee shot

:31:58. > :32:07.macro -- teosioc as well? I have already spoken in relation to that

:32:08. > :32:14.intensification, that inclusive nature, and it is that approach that

:32:15. > :32:18.I will be taking alongside the Irish government and the Irish Foreign

:32:19. > :32:21.Minister, to do precisely that, because it is that absolute intent

:32:22. > :32:25.that we have is a government to do all that we can to get devolved

:32:26. > :32:35.government back on its feet again, and we will do our utmost to achieve

:32:36. > :32:40.that, which can be done. Will my right honourable friend give a

:32:41. > :32:43.commitment to ignore the siren song we're hearing from the other side of

:32:44. > :32:52.the to drag the Prime Minister to Northern Ireland, because it would

:32:53. > :32:55.be perverse to reward intransigence on the part of some political

:32:56. > :33:01.parties in Northern Ireland by having the Prime Minister on a tight

:33:02. > :33:05.leash pulled across to the province. I think it is important that we keep

:33:06. > :33:10.focused on the issues in hand, which are about the parties coming

:33:11. > :33:16.together, finding resolution in relation to issues that firmly set

:33:17. > :33:24.within the devolved space, and the work we can do with the UK

:33:25. > :33:28.Government to support them. That remains our absolute focus. I

:33:29. > :33:31.believe the positive outcome can be achieved with goodwill and good

:33:32. > :33:42.spirits, and it is that environment we are determined to secure. Good to

:33:43. > :33:45.hear the Secretary of State speaking of the inclusive devolved

:33:46. > :33:49.government, but since the St Andrews agreement we have had a bit for one

:33:50. > :33:53.side and a bit for the other, and it has been polarisation all the way

:33:54. > :34:00.through. We need to go back to the spirit of the Belfast agreement, to

:34:01. > :34:03.find a way forward together on health and education. With the

:34:04. > :34:09.Secretary of State look at a new way forward, with it gets all of us

:34:10. > :34:18.working together, with something different than doing the same thing

:34:19. > :34:22.again and again? I know this is a gentleman has approached, based on

:34:23. > :34:30.the settlement and legal structures in place. There may be that scope to

:34:31. > :34:33.have the wider debate in the future, but we all about getting the

:34:34. > :34:38.government back on its feet again, seeing governments engaging in a way

:34:39. > :34:46.that will see the executive formed under its current structure, and

:34:47. > :34:48.that is weirder focus lies. In supporting and sharing division that

:34:49. > :34:51.my right honourable friends are passionately advocates, could I

:34:52. > :34:54.bring him back to the last question and suggest that if intransigence

:34:55. > :34:59.continues for long enough, there may be a point for fresh thinking, and

:35:00. > :35:09.perhaps local government in Northern Ireland which he briefly alluded to,

:35:10. > :35:15.make to play a larger role. Here raises an interesting point. I'm

:35:16. > :35:25.sure over time the increasing responsibilities should be

:35:26. > :35:27.encouraged further but it is about getting the executive in place to

:35:28. > :35:31.support the work, which is where our efforts must lie in the short-term.

:35:32. > :35:37.Political engagement, power-sharing and partnership government are vital

:35:38. > :35:41.for the future of Northern Ireland, and working on an all Ireland basis

:35:42. > :35:46.to deal with the issues presented to us by Brexit. Could the Secretary of

:35:47. > :35:52.State detail what steps have been taken to secure the presence of the

:35:53. > :35:56.Prime Minister and Teosioc at such talks, and what is the format and

:35:57. > :36:00.timescale for such discussions, which hopefully will break this

:36:01. > :36:08.logjam and bring people together in the spirit of power-sharing

:36:09. > :36:14.government? The honourable lady was equally talking about Brexit and the

:36:15. > :36:18.EU points, and there have been discussions between the Teosioc and

:36:19. > :36:22.Prime Minister in relation to those very issues, recognising Brexit will

:36:23. > :36:26.have impacts across the island of Ireland, and there are different

:36:27. > :36:30.parts you can point to where we have, I think, shared commitments in

:36:31. > :36:34.relation to the Irish government in that regard. I do say to her it is

:36:35. > :36:41.about getting parties back round the table, looking at ways of bridging

:36:42. > :36:48.the Gap Saturday, and we are determined to support that to get

:36:49. > :36:54.that response. And he confirmed the latest impasse is not more money for

:36:55. > :37:01.Westminster? In the last budget, the Chancellor announced an extra ?120

:37:02. > :37:07.million for Northern Ireland, and we want to see an executive in place to

:37:08. > :37:09.use that money effectively. Does the Secretary of State agree that the

:37:10. > :37:15.people of Northern Ireland deserve more from their political leaders?

:37:16. > :37:20.Institutions have teetered on the brink for years, now they have

:37:21. > :37:22.collapsed. The formula to help that collapsing was clear. The Prime

:37:23. > :37:25.Minister of the United Kingdom, the Teosioc and representatives from the

:37:26. > :37:32.United States working hand in glove with Northern Ireland's politicians

:37:33. > :37:34.to prevent the collapse of the institutions. Why does the Secretary

:37:35. > :37:38.of State not understand that he alone does not have the necessary

:37:39. > :37:41.authority to resolve these issues? I simply do not accept the analysis

:37:42. > :37:49.that the right honourable gentleman has advanced. Again, I underline the

:37:50. > :37:53.issues at stake here in relation to the parties and the devolved

:37:54. > :37:58.elements. But I can assure him of the seediness and significance we

:37:59. > :38:01.attach to the position we find ourselves in now. The whole issue of

:38:02. > :38:05.devolved government in getting that back on its feet, delivering for the

:38:06. > :38:08.people of Northern Ireland, all of those matters so many have said in

:38:09. > :38:14.this chamber this afternoon about the future and what that means for

:38:15. > :38:17.real people and public services, and therefore it is with that renewed

:38:18. > :38:23.intent that we approach the short period ahead to get back consensus

:38:24. > :38:28.to build bridges that need to be built to get that positive outcome,

:38:29. > :38:32.and that is the resolve this government has shown and will

:38:33. > :38:37.continue to show to deliver for Northern Ireland.

:38:38. > :38:42.Will my right honourable friend agree that England Wales and

:38:43. > :38:48.Scotland have limits on expenditure for political purposes, but little

:38:49. > :38:54.or none for Northern Ireland? Could these limits be extended to Northern

:38:55. > :38:58.Ireland? I am sure there are a range of measures we can look to for

:38:59. > :39:01.elections and one issue is around political donations and other

:39:02. > :39:06.greater transparency, something that has been at the forefront of some of

:39:07. > :39:09.the discussions which have taken place over the last three weeks and

:39:10. > :39:17.I want to see progress made in that regard. As a party, we have found

:39:18. > :39:21.the premise the very engaged in this process. I don't know what others

:39:22. > :39:24.are complaining about. I welcome the commitment by the Secretary of State

:39:25. > :39:28.on legacy but it is essential he does not take a partial approach. We

:39:29. > :39:33.do not want to see money given over for legacy inquests and no progress

:39:34. > :39:36.made on the historical investigations unit. If that

:39:37. > :39:42.happens, we will withdraw support for his proposals. It is important

:39:43. > :39:45.that we deliver for all victims. That has been the consistent

:39:46. > :39:52.approach of this government in wanting to see reform of legacy

:39:53. > :39:54.inquests, but also progress made on establishing Stormont house

:39:55. > :40:00.institutions, because there are families, there are survivors, there

:40:01. > :40:03.are survivors living with this day in, day out and we have educated

:40:04. > :40:07.them to provide a comprehensive approach that is able to provide

:40:08. > :40:13.that way forward for all of them and that earnestly remains my intent. My

:40:14. > :40:18.right honourable friend has already said several times that there is

:40:19. > :40:22.very little appetite on the doorstep for another election so soon after

:40:23. > :40:25.the last. Will my right honourable friend explained to the residents of

:40:26. > :40:29.Northern Ireland what other the tools he might be considering in his

:40:30. > :40:35.arsenal to get agreement without the need for a second election? As I

:40:36. > :40:41.have indicated, we are focused on getting a positive outcome through

:40:42. > :40:45.renewed talks. Legislating, as necessary to enable an Executive to

:40:46. > :40:50.be put into place. As I have already said, I will keep all options under

:40:51. > :40:53.consideration and how we address some of these immediate, short-term

:40:54. > :41:01.issues in relation to the budget, these are at the forefront of my

:41:02. > :41:05.mind. As one of the last direct rule ministers for Northern Ireland, can

:41:06. > :41:08.I remind the Secretary of State that managing five departments from

:41:09. > :41:13.Westminster is not a good form of government. History shows, however,

:41:14. > :41:18.that when the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach engage with matters in

:41:19. > :41:23.crisis and cleared their diaries and spend four or five days engaged with

:41:24. > :41:30.that issue, crises are solved. Would he reflect on that as he determines

:41:31. > :41:33.not to have direct route? As I have indicated, the Prime Minister and

:41:34. > :41:38.Taoiseach are involved. I'd share his view in regards with direct

:41:39. > :41:43.route. This is not something we want to contemplate, because I see it as

:41:44. > :41:46.a step backwards, not forwards, which is why we must all redouble

:41:47. > :41:52.our efforts to get the positive outcome, get agreement between the

:41:53. > :41:56.parties and see an Executive formed. Can my right honourable friend tell

:41:57. > :41:59.of the House what processes have been put in place with the Northern

:42:00. > :42:05.Ireland civil service to ensure public services have the funding

:42:06. > :42:08.they need? We have been working closely with the head of the civil

:42:09. > :42:13.service in Northern Ireland and working with them as he works with

:42:14. > :42:19.his own departments to ensure that the appropriate resources are there.

:42:20. > :42:22.As I indicated in my statement, the reserve statutory precisions will be

:42:23. > :42:27.used to ensure departments have the money to be able to maintain public

:42:28. > :42:31.services. That can only be in place for a relatively short period of

:42:32. > :42:36.time and the need to have political direction in place to set the

:42:37. > :42:46.priorities remains urgent, which is why the work ahead of us is such a

:42:47. > :42:52.significant priority for all of us. Sitting as an independent, I am a

:42:53. > :42:57.very interested in discipline and bystander in these talks. From my

:42:58. > :43:02.experience, I think it can be very important that this crucial stage to

:43:03. > :43:05.try, if the government will, to change the dynamics of those talks.

:43:06. > :43:10.There is no point heading into the same repeat arguments. Will the

:43:11. > :43:15.Secretary of State give serious consideration to bringing back to

:43:16. > :43:18.Northern Ireland a senior American diplomat who is well known to all of

:43:19. > :43:26.the parties so that she could share these talks, her name is Barbara

:43:27. > :43:29.Stevenson. I have not spoken to her. She has been volunteered without

:43:30. > :43:34.knowledge. It seems that she was there for a long time as the

:43:35. > :43:39.American consul in Belfast and she is well known to the parties highly

:43:40. > :43:44.regarded. I have met Barbara Stevenson, so I am aware of the

:43:45. > :43:48.person she is referring to. I would say is the issues that have been at

:43:49. > :43:54.issue are primarily in relation to strand one under the Good Friday

:43:55. > :43:59.Agreement structure, which has never been, even in previous discussions

:44:00. > :44:07.were talks, being something that answered parties have been directly

:44:08. > :44:10.engaged in. So, while we will maintain contact with all interested

:44:11. > :44:14.parties, that is where the focus lies. That is where the UK

:44:15. > :44:17.Government has the primacy and priority and whilst we will engage

:44:18. > :44:23.in all sorts of different ways, it is about how we are able to build

:44:24. > :44:26.those bridges between the parties. I look forward to discussing some of

:44:27. > :44:29.these issues with the honourable lady outside of the House where she

:44:30. > :44:35.might be able to share some offer thoughts. Would my right honourable

:44:36. > :44:40.friend agree that the lasting image of the funeral of Martin McGuinness

:44:41. > :44:42.was of Arlene Foster in a Roman Catholic Church with a coffin draped

:44:43. > :44:48.in the flag of the Republic paying tribute to the body of a leader of

:44:49. > :44:52.the IRA who had attempted to kill her father and witty urge all

:44:53. > :44:55.parties in Northern Ireland to show similar acts of bravery, personal

:44:56. > :45:05.bravery, to restart the peace process? I think that event was a

:45:06. > :45:10.very powerful way that so many people were able to demonstrate that

:45:11. > :45:15.sense of reaching out and the need for all of us to reflect on some of

:45:16. > :45:18.the bigger issues at stake here for Northern Ireland. Some of the

:45:19. > :45:23.symbolism, equally, shown by Sinn Fein in different ways over the

:45:24. > :45:26.years as well. I think it is looking to the bigger picture, looking to

:45:27. > :45:31.the future of Northern Ireland, looking to be Sherrock, inclusive

:45:32. > :45:36.future that I think is at the heart of the solution here. I thought that

:45:37. > :45:39.spirit will be maintained and strengthened in the days ahead, such

:45:40. > :45:46.that we are able to get a positive conclusion. Honourable members on

:45:47. > :45:51.these benches only ever want to support the government in resolving

:45:52. > :45:55.these matters, so I say gently to him, but the perceived laissez faire

:45:56. > :45:59.approach of the promised does him no favours. The Prime Minister was in

:46:00. > :46:03.Wales last week, in Scotland this week, she should go to Northern

:46:04. > :46:08.Ireland with the Taoiseach, convene talks and find a resolution sooner

:46:09. > :46:12.rather than later. I respect the way in which the honourable gentleman

:46:13. > :46:16.has made his point, but I do not accept his characterisation of the

:46:17. > :46:19.laissez faire approach. The Prime Minister and Taoiseach have been

:46:20. > :46:23.engaged, will continue to do so and we will do all that we can to get

:46:24. > :46:29.the positive outcome that I know he would earnestly want to see in the

:46:30. > :46:34.best interests of Northern Ireland. I am sure the Secretary of State

:46:35. > :46:37.will share my view that if there was a simple solution such as the

:46:38. > :46:41.premise to getting on a plane, that would have been done. Can he

:46:42. > :46:45.reassure me that we will not allow one party, especially Sinn Fein, the

:46:46. > :46:47.US elements of the security forces and historical enquiries as

:46:48. > :46:55.bargaining chips and hold them to hostage in this negotiation process?

:46:56. > :46:59.As a government we have primary responsibility in relation to

:47:00. > :47:04.national security and that is a responsibility I feel very keenly.

:47:05. > :47:08.It is the way forward we need to achieve in relation to

:47:09. > :47:13.investigations of the past. We have put forward comprehensive proposals

:47:14. > :47:17.but I want to see emerging into a broader public debate. That is

:47:18. > :47:23.earnestly my intent and I believe that can be achieved in the weeks

:47:24. > :47:30.ahead. Would it be Secretary of State confirm that Sinn Fein's

:47:31. > :47:34.refusal to accept is legitimate role in these negotiations has led to a

:47:35. > :47:40.protracted process, that Sinn Fein's refusal to have roundtable meetings

:47:41. > :47:45.with all of the parties has meant that only their agenda is being

:47:46. > :47:49.pursued and that Sinn Fein's demand that when dealing with the past, the

:47:50. > :47:56.focus be on security forces rather than on the murderers which they

:47:57. > :48:00.have illustrates that they had no intention of reaching an agreement

:48:01. > :48:05.or comment to any compromise, they were simply wishing to pursue their

:48:06. > :48:10.own agenda to the cost of people in Northern Ireland who are denied

:48:11. > :48:15.devolution? Well, I am clear that we need a fair, balanced and

:48:16. > :48:20.proportionate approach to those issues of the past and I think that

:48:21. > :48:25.the Stormont House Agreement finds a way to achieve that as well as other

:48:26. > :48:29.reforms as well. That is something that I have spoken to the Victims

:48:30. > :48:35.Commissioner about and others over many weeks and will continue to

:48:36. > :48:39.reenergise the process. What we need is the intensification of the talks

:48:40. > :48:42.and the sense of goodwill and the sense of real intent to see the

:48:43. > :48:46.fourth government back on its feet again. I think that all of the

:48:47. > :48:51.parties have publicly stated their intent to seek that outcome and we

:48:52. > :48:56.must do all that we can to create the environment with that succeeds

:48:57. > :48:59.and we do get the inclusive devolved government that will serve the

:49:00. > :49:06.people of Northern Ireland and for which they voted. We all want a

:49:07. > :49:12.bright future for Northern Ireland and I wish all parties well in the

:49:13. > :49:15.continuing talks to achieve a fully functioning Executive. Can the

:49:16. > :49:18.Secretary of State tell us if there is more that can be done to ensure

:49:19. > :49:25.representation for Northern Ireland in the Brexit process, given the

:49:26. > :49:29.current circumstances? The obvious answer to the honourable lady is to

:49:30. > :49:32.see an Executive in place, advocating for Northern Ireland,

:49:33. > :49:36.ensuring the voice of Northern Ireland is heard within the

:49:37. > :49:42.government, but also directly in Europe. I will continue to do my

:49:43. > :49:46.work on going out into communities, listening to business, listening to

:49:47. > :49:51.the community and voluntary sector and do my utmost to ensure that, in

:49:52. > :49:56.my role, we get the best possible outcome for Northern Ireland through

:49:57. > :49:59.the Brexit talks ahead. I believe that is eminently achievable and

:50:00. > :50:05.that is the work that I will continue to do. I was special

:50:06. > :50:10.adviser to the last Labour government to the point at which

:50:11. > :50:15.direct route was last introduced. It took us for years to resolve that.

:50:16. > :50:19.He has said he wants to intensify the talks, but he has failed to tell

:50:20. > :50:24.us what he means by that and history does show that the engagement of the

:50:25. > :50:28.Taoiseach and Prime Minister is the way in which we intensified those

:50:29. > :50:31.talks and bring about a resolution. Could he explain why the government

:50:32. > :50:38.are so resistant to taking that step? The government is focused on

:50:39. > :50:39.getting the best outcome which is the return of devolved government.

:50:40. > :50:43.He makes the point on the issues and He makes the point on the issues and

:50:44. > :50:46.risks around direct road, which is risks around direct road, which is

:50:47. > :50:51.why I have said what I have said about that not being something we

:50:52. > :50:58.would want. We are keeping all options under review. It is the

:50:59. > :51:02.sense of the work of the parties themselves and the role of the two

:51:03. > :51:05.governments can play in that. That is what I have been doing alongside

:51:06. > :51:11.Charlie Flanagan, the Irish Foreign Minister. We will continue to do and

:51:12. > :51:17.play an intensive part, but as I have said in a statement, we need to

:51:18. > :51:22.move to a new phase. We need to see the work of the parties coming

:51:23. > :51:26.together in a more inclusive way. I have been talking to the party is

:51:27. > :51:32.already about how we achieve that and we will see that progress in the

:51:33. > :51:36.days ahead. Legacy has been mentioned today and history, but

:51:37. > :51:40.will be Secretary of State confirm to the House today that he will

:51:41. > :51:46.stand firm on the attempts by Republicans to rewrite the past of

:51:47. > :51:53.Northern Ireland? It is important that we get that fair, balanced and

:51:54. > :51:59.proportionate and equitable outcome from the systems we put in place. We

:52:00. > :52:04.do recognise what happened in the past, that is what we proposed to

:52:05. > :52:09.set up an oral history archive for people to give their testimony, to

:52:10. > :52:12.be able to share what their experiences were. It is through this

:52:13. > :52:17.comprehensive approach that I believe we will be able to see

:52:18. > :52:23.progress had and Northern Ireland to its future, other than to its past.

:52:24. > :52:29.As someone who grew up on the leech- Fermanagh border for large periods

:52:30. > :52:32.in the 70s and 80s, I worried there is a generation growing up you

:52:33. > :52:37.forget what political violence looks like and what a hard water looks

:52:38. > :52:40.like and the most changes come when prime ministers invest sufficient

:52:41. > :52:45.political capital in the process and we have not seen the Prime Minister

:52:46. > :52:48.since major or Tony Blair do that and we need to get the prime

:52:49. > :52:55.ministers over there as soon as possible negotiating with the

:52:56. > :53:00.parties. I simply do not accept the analysis were the approach that the

:53:01. > :53:05.honourable gentleman is advocating. The Prime Minister has been actively

:53:06. > :53:07.engaged, will continue to be civil and, equally, the shared

:53:08. > :53:11.responsibility that the UK Government and the Irish government

:53:12. > :53:14.to have around this. It is that approach that we will take. Our

:53:15. > :53:20.desire to see devolved government back on its feet again, because that

:53:21. > :53:23.is what people want to see. That is what people want to see delivered

:53:24. > :53:31.for Northern Ireland and it is our intent to seek that is brought

:53:32. > :53:35.about. Notwithstanding your stress on the constraints of brevity, I do

:53:36. > :53:39.want to take this opportunity as MP for forward to a proper tribute to

:53:40. > :53:44.the late Martin McGuinness, with whom and against whom I worked for

:53:45. > :53:50.well over three decades in all sorts of contexts and Rose. As his

:53:51. > :53:54.predecessor as Deputy First Minister, a former colleague in

:53:55. > :53:58.government and counter-productive negotiations, I would say he went

:53:59. > :54:03.from opposing the very institutions, the concept of the institutions in

:54:04. > :54:06.which he went on to serve, to demonstrating a remarkable capacity

:54:07. > :54:10.for outreach and acknowledgement. He used those shared offices, a proven

:54:11. > :54:15.not only his better character in a democratic character but also the

:54:16. > :54:19.transformative value of the institutions we are talking about.

:54:20. > :54:23.In relation to his indication of legislation after the Easter recess,

:54:24. > :54:29.can be Secretary of State tell us whether he is delivered --

:54:30. > :54:33.deliberately precluding any such legislation including rectifying the

:54:34. > :54:35.defects in how first and Deputy First Minister are appointed, which

:54:36. > :54:38.no longer conforms with what was laid down in the Good Friday

:54:39. > :54:42.Agreement or rectify the problems with the petition of concern which

:54:43. > :54:48.has never operated consistently with what was laid down in

:54:49. > :54:56.I know that issues around governance have formed part of the discussions

:54:57. > :55:01.taking place during the talks over the recent weeks. He highlights the

:55:02. > :55:07.petition of concern. There are other issues discussed during that period

:55:08. > :55:12.as well. On legislation, my focus is on serving the people of Northern

:55:13. > :55:16.Ireland, where public services and now challenged as a consequence of

:55:17. > :55:22.budgetary issues having to be faced. Therefore, that is my real intent on

:55:23. > :55:27.legislation that will need to be brought after the Easter recess.

:55:28. > :55:30.Fundamentally, it is about seeing achievement of an agreement, and if

:55:31. > :55:38.that agreement is there, with whatever requirements may form from

:55:39. > :55:42.that, that is the opportunity to do so, which is why we need to use the

:55:43. > :55:56.short few weeks ahead and getting agreement such that we can get

:55:57. > :56:15.Northern Ireland back to Northern Ireland and... Will he

:56:16. > :56:30.set out more by the is such reluctance to involve both the Prime

:56:31. > :56:46.Minister and the Teosioc in the discussions to try to bring things a

:56:47. > :56:49.conclusion? When we look at the situation we are now in, it is a

:56:50. > :56:51.question of seeking to resolve some of the outstanding obstacles... It

:56:52. > :56:54.is about the two parties coming together to get the outcome we would

:56:55. > :56:56.earnestly want to see. I do not see that escalating in the way she

:56:57. > :56:58.suggests is the appropriate way to achieve that. Obviously we will

:56:59. > :57:05.continue to keep matters under review, but there are other ways

:57:06. > :57:07.that we can identify and seek to identify an inclusive touch moving

:57:08. > :57:10.forward, and while I will continue to have discussions with parties to

:57:11. > :57:13.support them and bring it about. Secretary of State for his strength

:57:14. > :57:16.of character and ship in the talks process. Sinn Fein's irresponsible

:57:17. > :57:25.actions have left Northern Ireland without an agreed budget. Also, the

:57:26. > :57:30.concerns of the voluntary sector. If Sinn Fein continue to block the

:57:31. > :57:33.executive, will the Secretary of State consult members of this House

:57:34. > :57:40.those who attend and participate in this House about decisions, and

:57:41. > :57:45.making sure and adequate funding is in place for the people of Northern

:57:46. > :57:50.Ireland? I want to see a positive outcome to the situation we are in,

:57:51. > :57:56.seeing an executive with the principal parties involved in it

:57:57. > :58:00.living for Northern Ireland. I still believe that can be achieved, but as

:58:01. > :58:04.I have indicated, the UK Government takes its responsibilities

:58:05. > :58:09.governance, political stability, hugely seriously, and we will take

:58:10. > :58:14.all actions necessary and continue to consult colleagues here and

:58:15. > :58:25.elsewhere on how that work is taken forward. This House will not forget

:58:26. > :58:32.the fact that police officers have been murdered in Strabane and

:58:33. > :58:36.Carrickfergus in recent weeks. What plans has he put in line to make

:58:37. > :58:38.sure that funding for the PSNI is established and goes on, whatever

:58:39. > :58:44.the outcome in relation to negotiations between the different

:58:45. > :58:46.parties in Northern Ireland? I can say to him that additional funding

:58:47. > :59:08.has been committed in terms of combating terrorism, and he

:59:09. > :59:09.underlines the challenges and risks officers from the PSNI have faced

:59:10. > :59:27.over recent weeks and years, injured and increasing

:59:28. > :59:39.security. Something that events here have brought in stark focus of the

:59:40. > :59:45.risk, challenges, personal issues that come into this, and I commend

:59:46. > :00:03.them and the Security service and all agencies that do their

:00:04. > :00:07.utmost, sometimes quietly and eyesight, here for the public in

:00:08. > :00:11.Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Sinn Fein brought down the executive

:00:12. > :00:13.at the and Sunday they selflessly blocked the restoration of the

:00:14. > :00:17.executive for Northern Ireland, but the consequences and penalty of that

:00:18. > :00:20.decision rests upon the shoulders of everyone in Northern Ireland, so

:00:21. > :00:28.considering all the options open, will he confirmed consider what

:00:29. > :00:38.Martial I say that he still earnestly believe that a positive

:00:39. > :00:44.outcome, agreement the main parties can be achieved. Between we need to

:00:45. > :00:51.approach these stop -- to build those bridges and get that situation

:00:52. > :01:01.where an executive Sinn Fein can be brought about. With bad in Durban --

:01:02. > :01:02.it is with that earnest endeavour that VDU government approach the

:01:03. > :01:07.days ahead, but also I feel very days ahead, but also I feel very

:01:08. > :01:09.keenly our responsibility is to the people of Northern Ireland, in

:01:10. > :01:14.serving them, in seeing that we have public services delivering for them.

:01:15. > :01:16.And it is that underlying intent that I have firmly in my mind of

:01:17. > :01:20.deflation I believe will be necessary after this recess to

:01:21. > :01:35.secure that thing that outcome for Google about. I know all Debbie

:01:36. > :01:38.Abrahamson of debate on specific and important matter that shove urgent

:01:39. > :01:40.consideration under the terms of standing order number 24. The

:01:41. > :01:44.honourable member has 23 minutes in which to make such an application

:01:45. > :01:51.top I seek leave that the House should seek to debate important --

:01:52. > :01:55.urgent matter, namely the changed dependence payment regulations. On

:01:56. > :01:59.the 23rd of February, the government issued new regulations to change the

:02:00. > :02:05.way disabled people or people with chronic mental health condition

:02:06. > :02:09.would be assessed or eligibility to Personal Independence Payment to

:02:10. > :02:14.government's or analysis estimates that it will affect more than 160

:02:15. > :02:16.dozen people, the majority of whom have mental health conditions and

:02:17. > :02:18.will not be able to access the full support they would have been

:02:19. > :02:25.entitled to under the previous ruling. And effective cap of ?3.7

:02:26. > :02:32.million. These recommendations were laid down without any advisory

:02:33. > :02:39.committee or debate in this chamber. In a letter dated the 24th of March

:02:40. > :02:44.2017, from the Secretary of State to myself, he states his department

:02:45. > :02:50.became aware of the decision of the tribunal on the 8th of December, 2.5

:02:51. > :02:54.months before they laid their emergency legislation. The move to

:02:55. > :03:00.undermine and subvert independent tribunal judgments is unprecedented,

:03:01. > :03:03.and in my view marks very troubling behaviour by the government on cases

:03:04. > :03:10.they lose. This could weaken Social Security tribunal judgments, and

:03:11. > :03:14.make independent -- affecting them making independent decisions. Since

:03:15. > :03:16.the 8th of December, the Security advisory committee and parliament

:03:17. > :03:21.could have scrutinised and proposed any changes, but instead, although

:03:22. > :03:27.the Leader of the House's belatedly committed to a debate still to be

:03:28. > :03:30.determined, the government deliberately chose not to have a

:03:31. > :03:34.debate before the 14 day grace period comes to an end on the 3rd of

:03:35. > :03:37.April. According to advice received April. According to advice received

:03:38. > :03:40.from the General office, if these regulations are not debated and

:03:41. > :03:43.voted on before the 3rd of April, they will not automatically be

:03:44. > :03:50.revoked should the House vote against them. In delaying the debate

:03:51. > :03:53.the government is hoping that objection will be kicked into the

:03:54. > :03:56.long grass. It is highly unusual that such a fundamental change

:03:57. > :04:00.should be introduced by such negative statutory instrument in

:04:01. > :04:04.this way, bypassing debate and scrutiny in the House. This is a

:04:05. > :04:09.troubling subversion of democracy under this government. Yesterday the

:04:10. > :04:14.other Place past regret motion tabled by my noble friend asking the

:04:15. > :04:17.government to urgently reconsider regulations. However this elected

:04:18. > :04:21.House of Commons have not had the opportunity to do so, therefore I

:04:22. > :04:25.believe that we owe it to those who will be affected, primarily people

:04:26. > :04:30.with mental health conditions, to hold this government to account. I

:04:31. > :04:34.have listened carefully to the application from the honourable

:04:35. > :04:43.member, and I am satisfied that the matter raised by her is proper to be

:04:44. > :04:50.discussed under standing order number 24. Has she believe of the

:04:51. > :04:53.House? The honourable member has obtained the leave of the House. I

:04:54. > :05:00.am most grateful to honourable members for the ball into the stand

:05:01. > :05:08.up! However it was in fact superfluous. Required only in the

:05:09. > :05:14.event of indications of opposition. Nevertheless, the position is

:05:15. > :05:17.extremely clear, the debate will be held tomorrow, Wednesday 29th of

:05:18. > :05:21.March as the first item of public business. The debate will last 90

:05:22. > :05:30.minutes, and will arise on a motion the House considered the specialist

:05:31. > :05:45.matters set out in her application. Order. We come now to the ten minute

:05:46. > :05:49.rule motion. I beg to move that we'd be given for me to bring a bill to

:05:50. > :05:56.make provision for the enforcement of child arrangement orders to

:05:57. > :06:02.establish a bottle of presumption of shared parenting under those orders

:06:03. > :06:10.and to make provision for a commission to review and make

:06:11. > :06:15.accommodations on family law. David and Sally separated after ten years

:06:16. > :06:18.of marriage in September 2014. They had two children aged eight and five

:06:19. > :06:27.at the time. David was a good father who did not want to stop being a

:06:28. > :06:30.dad. That's just because his marriage had ended. However nearly

:06:31. > :06:32.three years later and more than ?200,000 paid in legal fees, he is

:06:33. > :06:40.still fighting through the complex and bureaucratic family courts to

:06:41. > :06:54.see his children ate nights a month instead of the six that he has been

:06:55. > :07:01.offered by Sally. Sadly, this is not a fictional story, it is in Family

:07:02. > :07:09.Court. Not only have those two nights a month extra been

:07:10. > :07:15.financially expensive for him, but sadly stop the visits undermining

:07:16. > :07:19.the court order and the family relationship. Child arrangement

:07:20. > :07:25.orders are made by the court to regulate the contact and residents

:07:26. > :07:31.of children upon divorce. In the majority of divorces, they are

:07:32. > :07:36.complied with. But in many cases a defaulting parent could act with

:07:37. > :07:42.impunity. The courts are slow to respond and reluctant to penalise.

:07:43. > :07:45.This sends a damaging message that court orders are optional, not

:07:46. > :07:48.mandatory, that the relationship with the nonresident parent is

:07:49. > :07:53.meaningless rather than crucial, and that the system is inequitable

:07:54. > :07:58.rather than robust. In the worst cases, and nonresident parent,

:07:59. > :08:03.usually the father, can be denied contact with his child for several

:08:04. > :08:07.years. If they do not have a spare ?10,000 to spend on legal fees, they

:08:08. > :08:12.are essentially raised out of the life of their child, with no remedy

:08:13. > :08:19.whatsoever. How can this be humane for a child, how can it be fair to

:08:20. > :08:23.the parent? Yes, the welfare of the child is paramount, and abiding

:08:24. > :08:27.principle of family law, and children are less likely to

:08:28. > :08:31.experience depression, teenage pregnancy and delinquency than

:08:32. > :08:34.relationships with both parents are safeguarded. Children without a

:08:35. > :08:44.father than the life often struggle to reach their full potential stop

:08:45. > :08:56.academically, socially and emotionally. Family Court make huge

:08:57. > :09:03.life changing decisions for parents children, off thresholds of proof

:09:04. > :09:08.that are far lower than required to achieve enforcement. No wonder the

:09:09. > :09:12.criminal threshold for content is rarely met and judges failed to

:09:13. > :09:15.assert their authority quickly under the Children Act or subsequent

:09:16. > :09:28.legislation in 2006 at 2014. Data from the Ministry of Justice

:09:29. > :09:33.reveals that of the 4654 enforcement applications, a mere 1.2% were

:09:34. > :09:39.successful. So, although the latter of the law sets of discretionary

:09:40. > :09:43.penalties, they are rarely applied in practice. The rise unfounded

:09:44. > :09:51.allegations of domestic violence as a defence to enforcement is

:09:52. > :09:53.worrying. A new approach is needed. A tougher three strikes approach

:09:54. > :09:59.where residents should be transferred if safe, not

:10:00. > :10:04.theoretically, imposed. Confiscation of driving licences and password

:10:05. > :10:09.should seriously be considered by Parliament. Legislation that

:10:10. > :10:13.emphasises the importance of both parents in the lives of children,

:10:14. > :10:17.other than in cases of violence, is needed in England and Wales. Real

:10:18. > :10:26.enforcement is one way of doing this. Shared parenting is another.

:10:27. > :10:28.Madam Deputy Speaker, an assumption of keep errant -- shared parenting

:10:29. > :10:33.should be a key principle would determine the contact and residents

:10:34. > :10:38.of children. This would not be an explicit statement of a 50-50 time

:10:39. > :10:42.division and it does not mean shared care. As Professor Patrick

:10:43. > :10:45.Parkinson, former president of the International Society of family law

:10:46. > :10:52.has made clear, it should come as a minimum, meaning the child has a

:10:53. > :10:56.right to a meaningful relationship with both parents and as long as

:10:57. > :11:00.their safety is not at risk. This is commonplace around the world and

:11:01. > :11:04.operates without difficulty. It could assure the child the

:11:05. > :11:08.opportunity for the maximum continuing physical and emotional

:11:09. > :11:11.contact with both parents. It would encourage parents to share the

:11:12. > :11:17.rights and responsibilities of raising the child as the law states.

:11:18. > :11:23.Or it could provide for frequent and continuing contact with both parents

:11:24. > :11:26.as in California. It could go even further, to encourage the love,

:11:27. > :11:31.affection and contact between the children and parents as in Colorado.

:11:32. > :11:36.Only of these examples would be a more appropriate starting point for

:11:37. > :11:40.judges when setting Child Arrangement Orders, not the good

:11:41. > :11:45.form of parental involvement, direct or indirect, currently on the

:11:46. > :11:50.statute books since 2014. While that was an improvement on the previous

:11:51. > :11:55.position, parental involvement can amount to a birthday card for a

:11:56. > :11:58.Christmas card in the worst cases. Non-resident parents, many fathers,

:11:59. > :12:02.can be airbrushed out of the lives of their children by the current

:12:03. > :12:06.system. We cannot keep telling fathers they have equal

:12:07. > :12:11.responsibilities and then not give them the opportunity to carry them

:12:12. > :12:15.out. Shared parenting and robust enforcement form part of a package

:12:16. > :12:21.of reforms that are needed if we are to bring our family law into the

:12:22. > :12:27.21st-century. Our antiquated system reflects norms of the 1950s and 60s,

:12:28. > :12:32.rather than relationships of the day and many issues remain unresolved.

:12:33. > :12:35.Leaving gaps for Parliament to fill. They commission, the last no more

:12:36. > :12:38.than one year should be lodged by the government to enquire into the

:12:39. > :12:46.following issues and report back with recommendations for reform.

:12:47. > :12:51.Firstly, as the Court of Appeal highlighted, the fault this divorce

:12:52. > :12:55.law results in absurd outcomes, despite being a loveless marriage,

:12:56. > :12:58.the petitioner was unable to divorce her husband because of the archaic

:12:59. > :13:02.rules requiring her to prove fault on his forehead. The reality is that

:13:03. > :13:07.not all marriages end because of fog. We therefore have a lock which

:13:08. > :13:10.promotes the force of allocating blame, setting the parties on a

:13:11. > :13:14.needless confrontational path, fuelling animosity and costs. The

:13:15. > :13:19.commission should report on whether it is time for no-fault divorce.

:13:20. > :13:23.Secondly, financial remedies and maintenance are rooted in a bygone

:13:24. > :13:27.era when women were financially dependent on their husbands. The

:13:28. > :13:31.reality today is that many women are able to support themselves and

:13:32. > :13:35.divorce should not mean an automatic entitlement to lifetime support from

:13:36. > :13:42.an ex-husband. Scotland, North America limit payments, white don't

:13:43. > :13:46.we? Unless the noble Baroness's Bill secures Royal Assent, a commission

:13:47. > :13:49.should make recommendations on how to strike a better balance so

:13:50. > :13:54.England can shed its reputation as the divorce capital of the world.

:13:55. > :14:00.Thirdly, cohabiting couples with children at the fastest-growing type

:14:01. > :14:05.of family in the UK. Between 1996 and 2016, the number of couples in

:14:06. > :14:09.this position increased from 1.5 million to 3.3 million, yet they

:14:10. > :14:13.have no right in the event of a split. Enquiry into what basic

:14:14. > :14:17.protections are justified would be valuable. Fourth, the enforceability

:14:18. > :14:21.of prenuptial agreements should be settled by Parliament. If we are to

:14:22. > :14:25.support marriage, we have two except people get married later in life

:14:26. > :14:29.with asset earned before and during the union. Those should be protected

:14:30. > :14:33.if the parties agree, not put at risk and they commission should

:14:34. > :14:37.enquire into this. Fifth, reform of the oblique way in which family

:14:38. > :14:41.courts operate in public need to sell review. Far too many children

:14:42. > :14:47.are taken into care for wholly inadequate corporately argued

:14:48. > :14:49.reasons, according to the gym is Monday, President of the family

:14:50. > :14:55.division. Only the glare of publicity will allow this to stop.

:14:56. > :14:58.We need to move the cloak of secrecy and open up our family courts.

:14:59. > :15:04.Lastly, most from the dispute need not see the inside of the courtroom,

:15:05. > :15:07.but instead you'd better incentive to use mediation or solicitor

:15:08. > :15:12.negotiation. For example by virtue of the cost penalty for parties who

:15:13. > :15:18.dropped out of the process, saving costs, time and party should be

:15:19. > :15:22.priorities. I am not married and it will not surprise you when I say

:15:23. > :15:26.that I do not have the battle scars of having lived through a nasty

:15:27. > :15:30.divorce. My views are informed by my previous work as a barrister in the

:15:31. > :15:34.civil justice system for ten years, but they speak as an objective

:15:35. > :15:38.onlooker moved by stories of injustice, hopelessness and deep

:15:39. > :15:49.sorrow. The force is dramatic but need not be a tragedy which befalls

:15:50. > :15:53.thousands of non-resident's parents. The question is that the honourable

:15:54. > :16:00.member have leave to bring in the Bill. As many are of that opinion

:16:01. > :16:04.say aye. Of the country, no. I think the ayes have it. The ayes have it.

:16:05. > :16:15.We will prepare and bring in the Bill? Robert Neil, Frank Field,

:16:16. > :16:20.Caroline Ansell, Mrs Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Lucy Allen, Mr David

:16:21. > :16:57.Burrows, Keita away, Mr David Lambie and myself.

:16:58. > :17:14.Family Justice Bill. 12th of May 2000 17. Neighbourhood Planning Bill

:17:15. > :17:20.number three. The question is as on the order paper. As many are of that

:17:21. > :17:22.opinion say aye. I think the ayes have it. The ayes have it. The

:17:23. > :17:30.couple proceeded to read the orders of the day. The planning Bill,

:17:31. > :17:34.consideration of Lords amendments. I must draw the attention of the House

:17:35. > :17:42.to financial provision engaged in Lords amendments four, five, 23, 40,

:17:43. > :17:45.44, 48 to 50 and 84. I also remind the House that certain motions

:17:46. > :17:49.relating to the Lords amendments will be certified as religion

:17:50. > :17:54.exclusively to England or to England and Wales, set out on the selection

:17:55. > :17:57.paper. If the House divides an anti-certified motion, a double

:17:58. > :18:01.majority would be required for the motion to be passed. We will begin

:18:02. > :18:05.with the government motion to disagree with the Lords amendment

:18:06. > :18:09.22, with which we will consider government amendments an and B in

:18:10. > :18:16.Leeds. I call the Minister to move to disagree with Lords amendment 20

:18:17. > :18:22.two. Before I get into the detail of the amendment, I would like to put

:18:23. > :18:27.on record my thanks to my noble friend and ministerial colleague,

:18:28. > :18:31.Lord born the ably steered this Bill through the Lords. I would like to

:18:32. > :18:36.thank one of my distinguished predecessors as housing minister,

:18:37. > :18:40.Lord Young, who led on the compulsory purchase provisions which

:18:41. > :18:44.we will touch on in the third of the three groups which are discussing

:18:45. > :18:47.this afternoon. Finally, I would like to thank all peers who

:18:48. > :18:52.contributed positively to the debate in the other place. The Bill has

:18:53. > :18:55.benefited from their constructive challenge of scrutiny and I am

:18:56. > :19:00.pleased that this Bill received a warmer reception that the Housing

:19:01. > :19:03.and planning Act did one year ago. I wish to turn now to permitted

:19:04. > :19:07.development rights for the change of use the mission of pubs and to

:19:08. > :19:10.update the House on steps were taken in respect of the permitted

:19:11. > :19:16.development for the change of use from office to residential. First

:19:17. > :19:20.double speak to the government amendments in respect of committee

:19:21. > :19:24.development rights on the change of use or demolition of pubs. Let me

:19:25. > :19:28.start by assuring honourable members that we have listened to both houses

:19:29. > :19:32.and the support of the members have expressed a valued community pubs.

:19:33. > :19:36.All members will see we have accepted the principle of the

:19:37. > :19:39.amendment introduced to this Bill in the other place and on the

:19:40. > :19:44.amendments set out the detail of how we will take that principle forward.

:19:45. > :19:51.The amendment commits us to update the town and country planning water

:19:52. > :19:55.2015 to remove the permitted development rights for the change of

:19:56. > :19:59.use demolition of drinking establishments, including pubs. In

:20:00. > :20:03.table amendments, I would reassure honourable members we have continued

:20:04. > :20:06.to engage with the passage of this Bill with interested members and

:20:07. > :20:10.bodies such as the campaign for real ale and the British beer and pubs

:20:11. > :20:20.Association. I can confirm that we will remove... Will also remove the

:20:21. > :20:23.permitted development rights to change to an office for up to two

:20:24. > :20:30.years and the school for a single academic year. In making these

:20:31. > :20:33.changes the government is keen to avoid any potential unintended

:20:34. > :20:40.consequences. As such, we are clear that the best way to support pubs is

:20:41. > :20:45.to retain the day for drinking establishments use clause four pubs,

:20:46. > :20:49.wine bars and other borrowers. Doing so will allow pubs to innovate and

:20:50. > :20:53.intensified their use, for example, the opening pub gardens were

:20:54. > :20:57.providing live music without facing the risk that this would be a change

:20:58. > :21:03.of use which requires a full planning application. Our intention

:21:04. > :21:08.in retaining the US class is to allow pubs to develop within this

:21:09. > :21:10.class without having to seek planning permission, affording

:21:11. > :21:20.unintended consequences and unnecessary cost and bureaucracy. I

:21:21. > :21:22.will happily give way. Campaigners in my constituency have campaigned

:21:23. > :21:29.for the removal of permitted development rights for ten years, so

:21:30. > :21:33.I welcome the New Clause. The question of timing is crucial. If

:21:34. > :21:37.the time window for the regulations is too large, developers will simply

:21:38. > :21:42.bring forward their plans and pubs will continue to become car parks or

:21:43. > :21:48.retail warehousing. When will the regulations the updated? If she goes

:21:49. > :21:53.with me I will make that crystal clear and provided the reassurance

:21:54. > :21:59.she is looking for. The changes mean that in future a planning

:22:00. > :22:02.application will be required in all cases. This will also be the case

:22:03. > :22:06.for premises in mixed-use, for example as a pub and restaurant.

:22:07. > :22:10.This addresses the long-standing call that there should be

:22:11. > :22:14.consideration and an opportunity for the community to comment on the

:22:15. > :22:17.future of their local pub. It is important that local planning

:22:18. > :22:21.authorities have relevant planning policies in place support this

:22:22. > :22:25.decision taken. Once we have made these changes, the current

:22:26. > :22:29.provisions, which we move permitted development rights for the change of

:22:30. > :22:33.use of pubs which are listed as community assets are no longer

:22:34. > :22:39.necessary and will fade away. I will happily give way. Will there be any

:22:40. > :22:43.provision or requirement about the viability of the pub in that promise

:22:44. > :22:48.soon there will be some kind of case that those who wish to change would

:22:49. > :22:52.be able to? Clearly those arguments which could be made by an applicant

:22:53. > :22:56.in respect of a particular planning application but the government is

:22:57. > :23:00.not proposing to allow any permitted development rights in that regard,

:23:01. > :23:03.it would allow the local authority to reach a decision that I am sure

:23:04. > :23:06.in respect of the right honourable gentleman and others, those with the

:23:07. > :23:12.arguments that would be considered when planning applications were

:23:13. > :23:15.made. Importantly, we have listened to the points made about the need

:23:16. > :23:19.for pubs to expand their food offer in order to meet changing market

:23:20. > :23:23.needs and support the continued viability. The issue by right

:23:24. > :23:27.honourable friend is concerned about. But the symptom getting rid

:23:28. > :23:29.of the permitted development rights which allow for the permitted

:23:30. > :23:32.development rights with a lover Camilla -- demolition or change of

:23:33. > :23:35.use, we will allow a new US to allow drinking establishments to extend

:23:36. > :23:42.their food offering so as to become a

:23:43. > :23:47.I will finish this point and then give way to the honourable

:23:48. > :23:52.gentleman. The Government believes this will ensure pubs have nothing

:23:53. > :23:55.to fear in terms of requiring planning permission or enforcement

:23:56. > :24:00.against the change of use were a pub is extending its bid offer and this

:24:01. > :24:04.will give them vital flexibility. I am grateful to the Minister for

:24:05. > :24:13.giving way and the Government for listening to the powerful case that

:24:14. > :24:20.was made. I think the new mixed class is an elegant solution to the

:24:21. > :24:23.issue that was raised in the other place but can the Minister does

:24:24. > :24:28.clarify on the record that in keeping with what he is proposing

:24:29. > :24:38.that the same removal of permitted development rights that is now going

:24:39. > :24:44.to operate in A3 and A4 classes will now operate in the mixed class? I

:24:45. > :24:49.think he will get exactly the clarification that he is looking

:24:50. > :24:54.for. The answer is yes. I will come onto it in my speech later on. I am

:24:55. > :25:03.grateful to him for his kind words. The intent of the Government is very

:25:04. > :25:06.much to honour the principle behind the idea but we think this is a

:25:07. > :25:10.better solution that provides more flexibility and will do a better job

:25:11. > :25:13.of ensuring their viability. I will give way. I congratulate the

:25:14. > :25:19.Minister of his flexible approach to this bill and as he previously

:25:20. > :25:27.agreed in his constituency, will he be offering a date very soon saw

:25:28. > :25:31.that I can consider whether to include a pub in his itinerary? That

:25:32. > :25:35.has to be one of the finest invitations I have received. I am

:25:36. > :25:38.very much looking forward to visiting his constituency. I am

:25:39. > :25:42.trying to combine it with an event in the Sheffield city region looking

:25:43. > :25:46.at housing, but he serves on legal committee of this legislation and is

:25:47. > :25:51.a passionate advocate of it and has worked very hard in his own

:25:52. > :25:53.constituency to encourage planning and I am very but looking forward to

:25:54. > :26:00.meeting those community groups with him. I hope we can get him a date as

:26:01. > :26:05.soon as possible with or without the benefit of a visit to a local pub.

:26:06. > :26:09.At the same time as making these changes, we also want to protect

:26:10. > :26:14.local planning authorities from any compensation liability arising from

:26:15. > :26:20.the removal of national permitted development rights. We will do this

:26:21. > :26:22.by amending the compensation regulations to limit to 12 months

:26:23. > :26:27.the period of any potential liability on local planning

:26:28. > :26:32.authorities when the rights removed. Now wish to take the opportunity to

:26:33. > :26:35.update the house on the outcome of the debate in the other place in

:26:36. > :26:39.respect of the permitted development right for the change of use from

:26:40. > :26:43.office to residential. This was an issue that we debated at some

:26:44. > :26:48.length. I notice an issue where there are differences of opinion on

:26:49. > :26:52.both sides of the house. Honourable members will know that this

:26:53. > :26:57.permitted development right is making an important contribution to

:26:58. > :27:03.housing delivery in this country. With over 12,800 homes delivered

:27:04. > :27:06.thanks to this right in the year ending March 20 16. The Government

:27:07. > :27:09.has always recognised that in certain areas there have been

:27:10. > :27:14.concerns about the local impact of this right and therefore we have

:27:15. > :27:18.outlined an approach which provides flexibility for those areas that

:27:19. > :27:21.were meeting their housing requirements to have a greater say

:27:22. > :27:25.over whether the permitted development right for the change of

:27:26. > :27:30.use shall apply. Somebody for those areas that are not delivering 100%

:27:31. > :27:34.of the housing requirement, the figure that they have identified in

:27:35. > :27:37.the local plan and can continue to do so after the removal of the

:27:38. > :27:41.rights and are able to demonstrate that it is necessary to remove the

:27:42. > :27:44.right to protect the immunity and well-being of their area, then the

:27:45. > :27:49.Secretary of State will not seek to limit article four directions

:27:50. > :27:52.applying to that area. We intend to publish the first housing delivery

:27:53. > :27:57.test data in November for those that are not familiar this is one of the

:27:58. > :28:00.key reforms set out in the housing white paper where we are now holding

:28:01. > :28:04.local authorities to account, not just for producing a plan but also

:28:05. > :28:09.for delivering the houses set out in that plan on an annual basis, so

:28:10. > :28:13.this will indicate local authorities in November whether this additional

:28:14. > :28:18.article for flexibility will apply to directions they brought forward.

:28:19. > :28:22.For those interested in further information on this change, Madam

:28:23. > :28:26.Deputy Speaker, it can be found in the House of Lords library in a

:28:27. > :28:31.letter from a minister and colleague dated the 18th of March and we will

:28:32. > :28:36.be providing detailed guidance before November. We are also making

:28:37. > :28:39.a further change, bringing forward ventilation to enable local planning

:28:40. > :28:43.authorities to charge planning application fees when permitted

:28:44. > :28:49.development rights have been removed by an article for direction. That

:28:50. > :28:55.recognises those developers that have removed this permitted

:28:56. > :28:58.development right for sound policy reasons, so whilst the Government's

:28:59. > :29:01.position remains that the developing fight is making an important

:29:02. > :29:05.contribution to delivering the homes that we desperately need in this

:29:06. > :29:08.country, we have these two small changes demonstrating a degree of

:29:09. > :29:10.flexibility to allow those local authorities that are not delivering

:29:11. > :29:15.the homes that are needed in the area and if they wish to apply and

:29:16. > :29:20.article four direction and then to be able to charge planning

:29:21. > :29:32.application fees for applications in those areas. I will give way. My

:29:33. > :29:35.constituency has lost a lot of office-based recently added a lot of

:29:36. > :29:41.that is done because of the demand so high. Doesn't you share my

:29:42. > :29:44.concern that this may give a perverse sense not to deliver on

:29:45. > :29:48.housing because of the area doesn't mind and I'm not saying this is the

:29:49. > :29:52.case about losing office space it is an easy win to allow the offices to

:29:53. > :29:57.shrivel on the vine and I am very concerned that this does not do

:29:58. > :30:02.this. I think my honourable friend shares my concern that we need to

:30:03. > :30:05.ensure that St Albans as quickly as possible get an up-to-date local

:30:06. > :30:09.plan in place that provides for the housing that is all desperately

:30:10. > :30:11.needed in that part of the world. I know she has spoken about that

:30:12. > :30:17.several times and I think my honourable friend would share that

:30:18. > :30:22.local authority concerned. We need to avoid that and I think my

:30:23. > :30:25.reassurance to would be that there are plenty of other things that the

:30:26. > :30:27.Government is going to be doing to make sure that local authorities

:30:28. > :30:31.delivering the housing that is required in their area. But where

:30:32. > :30:35.people do have legitimate concerns about the impact this permitted

:30:36. > :30:38.development right on the level of office space they have in the area

:30:39. > :30:42.which she clearly does in this case, then provided their council is

:30:43. > :30:45.delivering the housing that is required then we want to give

:30:46. > :30:48.Simplex ability and I know that she will be working very closely with me

:30:49. > :30:54.to try to ensure that St Albans makes progress on that issue. So to

:30:55. > :30:58.conclude my remarks, Madam Deputy Speaker, returning to planning for

:30:59. > :31:00.pubs, I hope and indeed it seems to be the case that Honourable members

:31:01. > :31:04.will accept the assurances that I have given today and agree that we

:31:05. > :31:08.have reflected the will of Parliament. Members of both houses.

:31:09. > :31:12.The honourable member for Leeds North West is here and my honourable

:31:13. > :31:16.friend for Bristol is in the chamber and she is also lobbying me

:31:17. > :31:19.considerably on this issue. They have spoken with great passion about

:31:20. > :31:22.the need to allow consideration of the change of use of pubs. Our

:31:23. > :31:25.amendments before the house today set out how we will ensure the

:31:26. > :31:29.successful delivery of these changes and I can connect to the house today

:31:30. > :31:35.that we will lay the secondary regulation by July as soon as we can

:31:36. > :31:38.essentially after this Bill hopefully received Royal assent and

:31:39. > :31:41.on that basis I hope that Honourable members on both sides of the house

:31:42. > :31:47.will support this amendment that I bring to them. The question is that

:31:48. > :31:52.this house disagrees with the Lords and the amendment. Thank you very

:31:53. > :31:57.much, Madam Deputy Speaker. I am glad to speak in support of the

:31:58. > :32:02.Government's commencement. Which I think will make a material

:32:03. > :32:05.difference to the fortunes of many of Britain's 48,000 pubs, give

:32:06. > :32:07.certainty to investors in the pub trade and crucially put communities

:32:08. > :32:14.back in control of decisions that have a real bearing on their

:32:15. > :32:18.community. I speak as chair of the old parliamentary pop group and also

:32:19. > :32:22.as an enthusiast. There are many people and groups I would like to

:32:23. > :32:27.record my appreciation to words on securing this important bill. Lord

:32:28. > :32:31.Kennedy who brought the amendment in the House of Lords was very

:32:32. > :32:34.successful in in assuring such overwhelming cross-party support

:32:35. > :32:38.that the Met were persuaded to adopt this amendment, to the pub

:32:39. > :32:46.supporting campaign groups, to my fellow members of the APPG on pubs

:32:47. > :32:53.who heard it really informative round table on pubs. I would also

:32:54. > :32:57.like to acknowledge as the minister did the important work done in this

:32:58. > :33:01.area by my predecessor as chair of the APPG, the Honourable member for

:33:02. > :33:07.Leeds North West who opposed the motion at committee stage in the

:33:08. > :33:10.Commons which subsequently was moved by my honourable friend and think it

:33:11. > :33:13.is also right to acknowledge in some way what the Honourable member for

:33:14. > :33:17.Bristol North West said as the originator of this in her amendment

:33:18. > :33:23.to a different bill, but the case she made then is that -- has been

:33:24. > :33:25.important in bringing about this change. I was also like to

:33:26. > :33:33.acknowledge the Government for having taken the step of Brockley

:33:34. > :33:35.adopting been motion that there was some hostility to previously. It

:33:36. > :33:41.does take courage to change your mind and the Honourable member team

:33:42. > :33:45.to the reception committee assured us that the Government was listening

:33:46. > :33:49.and the actions of the Government on this occasion suggest that he was

:33:50. > :33:53.good to his word and so there is all due credit required and in

:33:54. > :33:58.acknowledging that. Madam Deputy Speaker, there is nothing quite like

:33:59. > :34:04.your visit - your first visit to any British pub and I know I am not

:34:05. > :34:07.alone in feeling that little frisson of excitement the first time you

:34:08. > :34:10.step through the door of a new pub for the first time, pushing open

:34:11. > :34:16.that creaking door and wondering what will be waiting for you behind

:34:17. > :34:23.it, and adult version you might think of a real life Advent

:34:24. > :34:26.calendar. Behind every door, a different surprise. As the door

:34:27. > :34:32.creaks open, you wonder how the pub will be laid out and will you be

:34:33. > :34:36.able to get a table, who will be in there and how many people will be in

:34:37. > :34:41.there and what will be on the walls and what will the bar look like,

:34:42. > :34:44.each pub different. Will the bar Steward's says be a picture of

:34:45. > :34:49.welcoming joy or maybe not. Will they have a log fire in the winter

:34:50. > :34:55.or will they have a garden in the summer, is dart boards, a pub dog or

:34:56. > :35:00.cat, will there be a loudmouth propping up the bar, commenting on

:35:01. > :35:05.topics of which they have assumed a level of expertise from a programme

:35:06. > :35:12.they once saw on television. Whether they will be performing or

:35:13. > :35:16.commenting on the performance of the local member of Parliament and

:35:17. > :35:20.asking whether you will be claiming the pint back on expenses. It never

:35:21. > :35:23.grows old, that one. And finally, what the pub will be serving,

:35:24. > :35:27.because there is so much more to visiting a pub than just having a

:35:28. > :35:31.drink. And I think that is of course the magic of it. I know my own

:35:32. > :35:35.favourite beers and I can pop into the Morrisons down the road and buy

:35:36. > :35:38.as much of it as I like. A lot cheaper than I could buy it in many

:35:39. > :35:43.pubs. But the drinker just a fraction of the experience. I think

:35:44. > :35:46.the magic comes from the entire ensemble and just as there is a

:35:47. > :35:51.magic to visiting any property first time, so there is a joy it to having

:35:52. > :35:55.a local in which you really feel at home, where you find the characters

:35:56. > :35:58.and the beers, the landlord or landlady, the decor almost as

:35:59. > :36:04.familiar as if it was in your own home. So we live in different times

:36:05. > :36:08.and let's be candid, difficult times for many in the pub trade. The days

:36:09. > :36:12.were a single public and running a single proper decade at a time was a

:36:13. > :36:16.staple of any high street are long gone. The long-standing publican is

:36:17. > :36:20.now becoming a rarity and I think our communities are the poorer for

:36:21. > :36:22.it, but those communities often still do have that connection, that

:36:23. > :36:27.long-standing relationship with their local pubs, whether they be

:36:28. > :36:31.regular attenders or occasional visitors, that pub is a part of

:36:32. > :36:35.their community. One that too often we all take for granted. And the

:36:36. > :36:38.feature that is only really missed when it is under threat are gone.

:36:39. > :36:43.Now the Deputy Speaker, let me assure you that none of us are

:36:44. > :36:46.advocating that unpopular or poorly run pubs have a right to exist.

:36:47. > :36:50.Community that do not back their local pub cannot assume that it will

:36:51. > :36:55.always be there. When I bought my house back in 1998, Peter Minnis was

:36:56. > :37:00.my local. But he of landlords in just a few years and it is gone. The

:37:01. > :37:03.only reminders of the plaque on the wall but reminders were at once

:37:04. > :37:06.stood and the local bowling green that is still called the terminus

:37:07. > :37:10.bowling club even though the pop that they took their name from is

:37:11. > :37:14.long gone. In a small like Jester, I have to walk a mile to reach what

:37:15. > :37:17.you would, local and I think that is a comment on the times that we live

:37:18. > :37:21.in. If we do not get out and support our pubs, it is no good complaining

:37:22. > :37:25.when you're gone. Similarly, the industry knows that we live an

:37:26. > :37:28.evermore competitive world. The competition for the leisure pound

:37:29. > :37:32.has never been fiercer. From satellite television and the bottle

:37:33. > :37:37.at home to an array of takeaways and restaurants to suit every palate,

:37:38. > :37:40.the alternatives to a pint in a local are many and pubs will

:37:41. > :37:46.continue on occasions to close, but I think what really sticks in the

:37:47. > :37:49.crore of communities is when popular, well used pubs or even pubs

:37:50. > :37:52.that surveys in trouble in the community that may well be on the

:37:53. > :37:55.poor management at a particular moment in time are lost for good

:37:56. > :37:58.without the community having any say about it. I think it is really

:37:59. > :38:03.important to recognise that the tenant in a pub, not just a business

:38:04. > :38:06.owner, but as the guardian of something precious in that community

:38:07. > :38:11.and the responsibility on the pub owning business to ensure that the

:38:12. > :38:14.Guardian the point has the wherewithal to protect that precious

:38:15. > :38:20.asset that they are responsible for running is a very significant one. I

:38:21. > :38:23.will give way. I thank the Honourable gentleman for giving way

:38:24. > :38:27.and for his kind words. This particular amendment that we are

:38:28. > :38:32.supporting today is to tackle the scourge of predatory purchasing,

:38:33. > :38:38.especially by supermarkets, which are the worst at that. Does he think

:38:39. > :38:40.now it is time for Camra to look again at the agreement they have in

:38:41. > :38:49.place because it does not work. Both support the amendment and agree

:38:50. > :38:55.that it has been necessary because previous measures were not working.

:38:56. > :38:59.In terms of the Co-op, I met them recently and they were constructive

:39:00. > :39:10.saying in every case they would go to plan application. It's

:39:11. > :39:14.interesting that he has met the Co-op recently because last year the

:39:15. > :39:20.public were misled by the Co-op that they would not taking pot coat is

:39:21. > :39:25.viability by a factor which they have been doing so which has been

:39:26. > :39:32.shown by camera branches so they speak with forked tongues. I hope he

:39:33. > :39:41.will stick holding them to account. We certainly will. If he has

:39:42. > :39:45.evidence that since those reassurances were given that they

:39:46. > :39:51.are going down this process without seeking planning permission then I

:39:52. > :39:55.would be supportive of what saying. In Chesterfield we had a huge

:39:56. > :40:01.campaign not just about the Co-op but about the issues talking about.

:40:02. > :40:08.To save the Crispin on Ash gates road when enterprise wanted to sell

:40:09. > :40:12.it to Tesco. The campaign one and Tesco pulled out only for a new

:40:13. > :40:16.developer to demolish the pub and then consulting on what should

:40:17. > :40:22.happen on the land that replaced it in the housing eventually was placed

:40:23. > :40:26.where the pub once stood and in my previous role I met so many groups

:40:27. > :40:31.around the country trying to save the pub is that they loved and the

:40:32. > :40:38.ones communities depended on. It is wrong a developer could do this. It

:40:39. > :40:42.is wrong that a building, potentially a community asset could

:40:43. > :40:47.be knocked down before the community had a say. The coalition government

:40:48. > :40:51.did attempt to take steps to reinforce the right of communities

:40:52. > :40:58.but was well intentioned it was like trying to catch a flood in a cup.

:40:59. > :41:02.The great amendment today proposed by Lord Kennedy was that it gives

:41:03. > :41:07.certainty to everybody involved in the industry and we never forget

:41:08. > :41:11.that the pubs in Britain are an industry with investors who need

:41:12. > :41:16.certainty. The danger of going down the localism route is that when

:41:17. > :41:22.businesses consider investment decisions, they are faced with

:41:23. > :41:27.dozens of approaches, these approaches also left councils at the

:41:28. > :41:33.mercy of aggressive legislation and expected them to go to the legal

:41:34. > :41:37.defence to protect pubs. The assets has given some communities a

:41:38. > :41:42.precious opportunity to fight for the pub they loved but sometimes it

:41:43. > :41:48.means the only time you could save a pub was by becoming its owner. There

:41:49. > :41:54.is some value and that activism but you shouldn't be willing to buy a

:41:55. > :41:58.pub to have a view on it. The APPG heard from the community team which

:41:59. > :42:03.bought the Antwerp arms in Tottenham which use the legislation to save

:42:04. > :42:06.the pub. We heard from Wandsworth Council who puts an article four

:42:07. > :42:12.direction on 20 of the locals and they deserve credit. The danger of

:42:13. > :42:18.using article four directions is that the landscape is different...

:42:19. > :42:22.We have to go live to the Scottish parliament. SNP 's will conclude the

:42:23. > :42:26.debate calling for a second referendum on independence. The vote

:42:27. > :42:31.and the motion will take place at 5pm this afternoon. You can watch

:42:32. > :42:34.live coverage of the Commons on the red button service or on our

:42:35. > :42:47.website/ parliaments. It is worth in our sadness last week

:42:48. > :42:53.we were reminded of the common humanity and core values that unite

:42:54. > :42:57.us. We came together to proclaim our commitment to that most cherished

:42:58. > :43:03.principle of all democracy. The debate today at its heart is about

:43:04. > :43:06.democracy. It is about the right of people in Scotland to choose a

:43:07. > :43:07.future end in itself it is