Live Northern Ireland Statement House of Commons

colleagues. Statement from the Secretary of State to Northern

Ireland. James Brokenshire. Thank you very much. With permission I

would like to make a statement about the political situation in Northern

Ireland. As the house will recall, following the resignation of Martin

McGuinness, the then Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland in

January, an election took place to the Northern Ireland assembly on the

2nd of March and despite intensive discussions in the three weeks

following the election, the Northern Ireland parties will not able to

reach agreement on the formation of a new executive. In order to

facilitate further discussions between the parties Parliament

passed legislation immediately before disillusion extending the

period in which an executive could be formed under the 29th of June --

dissolution. Last Thursday I made a statement in Belfast setting out

that while differences remain between the parties come progress

had been made and that it was possible for resolution to be

achieved. I urged the parties to continue focusing their efforts on

this with the full support of the UK Government and as appropriate the

Irish government. And in that regard I want to recognise the contribution

of the Irish Foreign Minister and his predecessor Charlie Flanagan. In

the past few days since the passing of the deadline some progress has

continued to be made including on the most challenging issues, such as

language, culture and identity. But gaps remain between the parties on a

defined number of issues. The government remains committed to

working with the parties and the Irish government to find a way to

close these gaps quickly in order to reach an agreement which will pave

the way for the restoration of devolved government. The Prime

Minister has been actively involved following on from her meetings with

each of the parties including speaking to Arlene Foster and

Michelle O'Neill on Friday night. I continue to believe that a deal

remains achievable. And if agreement is reached by will bring forward

legislation to enable an executive to be formed possibly as early as

this week. But time is short. It has been six months since a full

executive was in place to represent the people of Northern Ireland. In

that time it has been civil servants and not politicians who have made

decisions on spending. Without political direction it has not been

possible for strategic decisions to be made about priorities and areas

such as education and health. This has created pressures which need to

be addressed. And it has led to understandable concern and

uncertainty amongst businesses and those relying on public services

like as well as the community and voluntary sector. This hiatus cannot

simply continue for much longer. There is no doubt that the best

outcome is for a new executive, to make those strategic decisions in

the interests of all parts of the community in Northern Ireland. It

should be for a new executive to make swift decisions on its budget

and to make use of the considerable spending power available to it. One

engagement between the parties continues and there is prospect of

an agreement, it is right that those discussions remain our focus --

while engagement. At the same time we will not forget our ultimate

responsibility as a government to uphold political stability and good

governance in Northern Ireland. In April I made a written ministerial

statement that sought to provide clarity for those civil servants

charged with allocating cash in Northern Ireland to assist them in

the discharge of their responsibilities. There remains ?42

million in resources flowing from the Spring Budget and budget

transfers from the last financial year which have remained unallocated

in order to provide an incoming executive with the room to decide on

how it should best be spent. But if we don't see resolution in the

coming days, then it will become urgent that we reflect further upon

whether clarity is required for Northern Ireland permanent

secretaries about the allocation of those resources. In that situation

we would also need to reflect carefully on how we might allocate

funding made available to address immediate health and education

pressures as set out in last Monday's statement on UK Government

financial support from Northern Ireland recognise a Northern

Ireland's particular circumstances. And if no agreement is reached,

legislation in Westminster may then be required to give authority for

the expenditure of Northern Ireland departments through an

appropriations bill. From my conversations with the head of the

Northern Ireland civil service we have not reached that critical point

yet. But that point is coming. And the lack of a formal budget is not

something that can be sustained indefinitely. Similarly decisions on

capital expenditure and infrastructure and public service

reform in key sectors like the health service cannot be deferred

for much longer. One area on which there is much consensus is on the

need for greater transparency around political donations. And in line

with the commitments set out in the Conservative Party's Northern

Ireland manifesto at the general election I can confirm that I intend

to bring forward legislation that will provide for the publication of

all donations and loans received by Northern Ireland parties on or after

the 1st of July 20 17. All of this reinforces further the importance of

the parties coming together and reaching an agreement. And it sets

out some of the hard choices we face if uncertainty persists. I'm also

conscious that with the deadline passed I'm under a duty to set a new

date for new election. And I will continue to keep that duty under

review. But it seems unlikely that that word of itself resolve the

current political impasse or the ultimate need for political

decision-making however we proceed. As the government for the whole

United Kingdom we will also govern in the interests of all those within

the United Kingdom, and so if resolution were to prove intractable

and the executive could not be restored, we would be ready to do

what is needed to provide that political decision-making in the

best interests of Northern Ireland. But I can clear that the return of

inclusive devolved government by a power-sharing executive is what

would be profoundly in the best interests of Northern Ireland. And

that will remain our overriding focus in the crucial days ahead. UK

Government will continue to govern in the interests of everyone in

Northern Ireland by providing political stability and keeping an

open dialogue with the parties and with the Irish government in

accordance with the well-established three standard approach. I stand

ready to do what is necessary to facilitate the quick formation of an

executive once an agreement is reached and that is where our focus

will lie. I commend this statement to the House. Owen Smith. May I

begin by thanking the Secretary of State for advancing his statement

and his good efforts to keep me updated on progress in the talks and

I know that he and the Foreign Minister have been working very hard

as have all the parties to narrow the gap between them on the

outstanding issues in particular in respect of languages and culture and

identity as he said. I welcome the fact that he hasn't come here today

to save the shutters are coming down on the talks and that he is still

optimistic -- to say. He has sustained a slightly surprising

optimism that a deal might be done this week. People in Belfast and

across Northern Ireland will have heard his contention that there

remains the prospect of a deal and if that is achieved he should know

he will enjoy our support on this side of the house to put in place

whatever legislation is misery in order to get the executive reformed

-- is necessary. But there will be frustration amongst many Northern

Ireland citizens that fully six months after the executive broke

down little more than a week before the marching season reaches its

apogee of the 12, that we still remain at this impasse and there

likelihood of his surmounting it in likelihood of his surmounting it in

a few short days, so hard questions must now be asked about what wore

his government can do to assist the parties in moving forward. It is

encouraging that the Prime Minister picked up the phone to the leaders

of the DUP and Sinn Fein on Friday night but I would invite the

Secretary of State in this new spirit of free speech that seems to

be abroad in the Conservative Party to agree with me that the Prime

Minister could do a bit more and that he could tell her to get a bit

more involved herself and to get on a plane to Belfast. I'm sure Arlene

Foster wouldn't mind lending hers for a weekend. History has told us

on this side of the house and on his that the involvement, the direct

involvement of the Prime Minister can sometimes help bridge the divide

in Northern Ireland and it can move things forward and it is a surprise

that this Prime Minister continues to seem reluctant to take personal

responsibility to break the deadlock. I think myself and many in

Northern Ireland would feel that the current Prime Minister has a

particular duty to take some personal responsibility to get more

involved, as it was her decision last April to call a general

election that lengthened the hiatus, and took us so close to July the

12th. It is also her reliance on the DUP, a legitimate alliance, but her

reliance is being cited by other interlocked is in the talks as part

of the reason for the impasse. So I agree with the Secretary of State

that the hiatus can't continue for much longer but I would like to hear

more from him about what he's going to do to resolve it because if it is

with greater hands-on involvement by the Prime Minister, does he think

there's a role for a new independent impartial international chairman of

the talks with fresh eyes and a new mandate? In the past that has played

an important part in terms of shifting things, and I noted to be

coded warning that he gave, quite rightly, that if a wave forward

isn't found he will have to bring forward further budgetary transfers

to give extra clarity and certainty to the Northern Ireland civil

service and that might be necessary, and if so he will enjoy our support.

But I'm not sure it will provide much of a spur to the parties

involved because they are used to this limbo land now for the next six

months and he agrees with me that it is profoundly unsatisfactory for

strategic decisions to be put off over Northern to be the hands of

elected civil servants, no matter how confident they are, and

appropriations bill might prove to be a bigger spur but some will see

that effectively, and he will know, as a return to direct rule. And that

is a position that he will wish to avoid and I would urge him to take

all possible steps to avoid it. May I welcome the decision the Secretary

of State has taken to legislate for publication of all political loans

and donations received by parties in Northern Ireland after the 1st of

July, as an important step in normalising the politics of Northern

Ireland. It might strike some a bit ironic in light of the recent deal

with the DUP. Does he intend that the thresholds that will apply to

that legislation are the same that apply presently to donations and

loans across the rest of the UK? Will the same requirement applied

that all donors are registered voters in the UK also apply? May I

say to the Secretary of State that I'm sure you agree with me that

Northern Ireland needs its assembly and executive up and running as soon

as possible. There is no greater illustration than the fact that we

are now entering the negotiations in earnest on Brexit and Northern

Ireland effectively has no voice. At that negotiation. Certainly not one

that reflects the traditions and cultures in heritage of Northern

Ireland. There is an absolute imperative that we get the executive

back on its feet and that Northern Ireland has its voice restored and

I'm sure he will join with me in urging all members and all parties

to make sure that happens as soon as possible.

I would join with the right honourable gentleman in underlining

that core message he ended with, and I appreciate and welcome the support

he has given to the government, if we are able to reach that point

where agreement is concluded, and to be able to move swiftly in this

house. I appreciate the opportunity we have had to discuss these issues

over the last few days and will certainly be maintaining that

dialogue with him. He raises a number of points, in particular he

highlighted the issue of frustration that people of Northern Ireland

feel. I think there are so many people who will be frustrated in not

seeing the deal having been concluded thus far. And therefore

how we can see that conclusion and seeing a power-sharing executive,

and inclusive power-sharing executive getting on and making

decisions in the best interests of Northern Ireland by locally elected

politicians. I know that's a theme that binds us together. He asked

about the engagement of the Prime Minister, who has been involved in

this throughout the process. She met all the leaders of the political

parties here in London, has maintained contact throughout that

time, and, as I indicated, has also spoken to the leaders of the two

main parties in recent days, as she had done recently. He will also

reflect and recognise that particular interventions may not

necessarily have the desired outcome. I know from his previous

time when he was involved in matters related to Northern Ireland, a long

time at places like Leeds Castle, that did not lead to that outcome

that he himself would have wished for at that time. There are

different solutions and scenarios that present themselves in different

cases. I would say that there is a defined number of issues that remain

outstanding, and it's that focus and attention we need to give at this

time, rather than extending out and changing the whole dynamic. But

obviously we will continue to keep matters under careful review. The

whole point is that resolution should be capable, if the

willingness is there. And therefore it is with that urgency that we must

approach the days ahead. There is opportunity here. I spoke about the

additional funding that could be available to an executive to use to

act and take some of those strategic decisions. I think it's so

profoundly in Northern Ireland's interest to see that is the case

from locally elected politicians. I will set out perhaps to The Right

Honourable gentleman in relation to transparency issues on political

donations. I think that's the best way, and I will put a letter in the

house library setting out further detail. I will introduce further

legislation to spell all that out so everybody can see clearly the next

steps. Order consistent with what I said to the house last week, I'm

keen to uphold the tradition that members wishing to take part in

exchanges on a statement should be those and only those who were here

at its start. I don't mean to embarrass individuals. I know a

couple of individuals came in late and graciously not standing, but

that is not uniform. Those who are standing, shouldn't be doing so. It

is quite wrong to wander in a halfway through the statement and

then expect to be called. Some people might even think it's a tad

arrogant. But there you go. Mr Laurence Robertson. Thank you Mr

Speaker. Can I ask the Secretary of State, regardless of the

difficulties or disagreements in Northern Ireland among the parties,

isn't it the case that those issues should be sorted out within the

Assembly and the executive, and not in this place, or is it the case

that maybe one party or more are actually looking for a rewriting of

the rules? I'm grateful to my right honourable friend for his continued

focus on issues relating to Northern Ireland. In the last Parliament and

also in his chairmanship of the select committee. I think all

parties are focused on seeking an outcome here and seeing that we have

a functioning executive rather than fundamental changes to the rules. I

think that's where our attention should be given. As he indicates

from his question, that's where I think he realises decision-making

should be taken, within Northern Ireland, within the Assembly and

Executive, acting within the best interests of Northern Ireland. It's

disappointing to say the least that there hasn't been a deal made and

the proper government of Northern Ireland cannot restart. Will the

Secretary of State accept that his party's deal with the DUP makes

reaching a deal more difficult? Does he consider the link between his

ministerial colleague, the Parliamentary undersecretary in the

Department of executing the European Union, and the parliamentary

research Council that may the questionable donation to the DUP to

be an additional and unwelcome convocation? And why did it take

three years from a consultation of increasing transparency in Northern

Ireland. Additional donations to get to the position where the government

is now announcing it will bring legislation forward? Pea surrounding

this whole affair at times makes it increasingly difficult to trust that

there is impartiality in the government. -- the Merc. What can he

do to restore confidence in the government's impartiality? Lastly,

the devolved administrations are supposed to be involved in the

Brexit negotiations. Can the Secretary of State say who is

providing input from Stormont, and whether this is less or more than

that provided by Scotland and Wales. And what invitations were made to

him from the Secretary of Scotland, about the deal done between the

government and the DUP. There is a certain amount of harumphing, but

she was fully 36 seconds within her time. That is a matter of stylistic,

or even on the part of the right honourable gentleman, aesthetic

objection, but it cannot be said to be a matter of order. It may not

surprise the honourable lady to say that no, I don't agree with the

analysis she has just set out in her questions. We stand. Wear with our

undertakings under the Belfast agreement and its successors, and

the agreement. It is not contravening the agreement itself.

She highlights the issue of political donations and

transparency. I would say to her that we conducted a consultation

with all the political parties in Northern Ireland is to seek their

views first. That was the reason why we took the decision we have done

today, reflecting on those views, reflecting on that input and that

was the commitment in my own party's manifesto. She also highlights the

issue of Brexit and contact with the Northern Ireland executive. There

aren't elected politicians there, so we have sought to engage with

Northern Ireland's civil service within the executive, but that can

only take us so far, and why I profoundly believe we want to see an

executive in place to be the additional voice for Northern

Ireland strongly making the points and ensuring that alongside them we

have the best deal possible for Northern Ireland in the EU exit.

Extraordinary state of affairs. I was planning on calling The Right

Honourable gentleman, but he now seems disengaged from the

proceedings. He toddled up to the chair, I thought he was interested

and I thought he would speak. Mr Patterson. I have to apologise. I am

grateful for you to calling me. Can he confirm that unless we have a

fully up and running executive, we cannot implement corporation tax

that will benefit every single citizen. I thought the right

honourable gentleman had come up to the chair and muttered some prosaic

pleasantry, which I readily greeted. It was very honest of him to say

that he was, I didn't know he was, and as far as I was concerned, he

wasn't! Secretary of State. Regrettably, in answer to my right

honourable friend's question, the answer is without an executive in

place, the devolution of corporation tax cannot happen, and I think it

underlines one of many reasons why an executive is needed to get onto

CD vision of prosperity and further investment is taking place, and how

an executive would certainly aid that. We welcome the statement. For

the rapid comedy Democratic Unionist Party was ready last Thursday to

form a government and appoint our ministers. There is no question of

any reticence on our part about forming an executive and we have

been encouraged by the government to do so. In addition to legacy, will

the government proceeds to publish the proposals on legacy in an event

and executive is not performed? We welcome what the Secretary of State

has said on donations. We support that. Will this extend to include

donations that are rooted by the Republic of Ireland to political

parties operating in Northern Ireland? Is the right honourable

gentleman may know, the consultation we ran in relation to political

transparency was on the narrow elements that were contained within

that. I know there are other issues and points that have been made,

including the matter that he has referenced in his own question. They

will remain under consideration. I also want to come back on his point

in respect of the issue of legacy. I think there is growing consensus

that we need to get on, get that consultation out there and show

everyone the work that has gone in around the fermentation of the

Stormont house bodies, actually starting to see that coming into

effect. I hope we will be able to move forward with that, and it will

take place following the establishment of an executive. Isn't

the simple truth this, that whereas the Democratic Unionist Party have

managed to obtain ?1 billion from the Treasury to spend on people of

Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein, Gerry Adams, those refusing to reform the

executive, are going to be in no position, is because there will be

no Sinn Fein minister in the executive, to make sure their

citizens constituents get the equal share of the money. Because the

money will be spent by ministers in this place by civil servants in

Northern Ireland. I think the simple point is by having an executive

there, a First Minister, and executive First Minister and others,

they will be able to make decisions on budgets, on all issues across the

whole of the community. The funding that has been outlined on issues

such as health, education, mental health, infrastructure and broadband

are profoundly for everyone across Northern Ireland, all communities

and how they will benefit from that. That underlines the need to have

that executive and to see that locally elected politicians are the

ones making those decisions. We are all pleased the Secretary of State

has said to us a deal is still possible within the next few days.

He will know as well as I do that trust is imperative in these talks.

Can he explain further why he is so reluctant to seal the deal between

the two sides in Northern Ireland, why are so reluctant to get the

Prime Minister and Taoiseach to go to Northern Ireland and get the

final things done to get the deal done? I hear the point the right

honourable gentleman makes in relation to this. I would stress the

Prime Minister has been actively involved throughout this whole

process. In having those meetings with all the party leaders, and in

talking she had a further conversation with the Taoiseach last

week about how matters were progressing and receiving updates

from myself and the Irish Foreign Minister to the Taoiseach as well.

To the extent that further interventions are required, we will

always keep that under review to see what will effectively bring about

resolution and see the executive I know he and I want to see in place.

Oliver Letwin. I of course understand the points my right

honourable friend is making about this situation can't go on forever.

One of the virtues required, and one of the many virtues in his arduous

post, is patience. I hope he can assure the house he will exhibit

that even beyond the level of the proverbial Saint, in order to get in

place the new executive. I'm grateful to my right honourable

friend for his support and his indication that some patience is

needed, but I would equally underlying to him that there has

been a lot of patients exhibited up to now. There is a lot of

frustration among the public of Northern Ireland who want to see

services for them acting in a way that needs to be undertaken to see

the sort of transformation that needs to happen in certain key

services, and why an executive is so desperately needed at the earliest

opportunity, to see politics performing for the best interests of

Northern Ireland and see that change happen. Alistair Carmichael. You

know I don't afternoon hanker after the days of Tony Blair -- I don't

often hanker. Under his stewardship we would have seen not just

involvement by the Prime Minister, but also making an active statement

to the house. It is with regret that the Prime Minister is not here

today. The Secretary of State is quite right when he says we need

transparency around political negotiations, but he must be aware

the house has already expressed its view on this. The date has been set

as the 1st of January 2014 so why does he now seek to change that?

It is about compliance with the regulations to see that those making

donations are able to make those determinations based on the law that

is in existence rather than looking at retrospection, but clearly there

will be further opportunity for the house to debate this issue but I

think that is the clearest way of doing it. Doctor Julian Lewis.

Whilst the political situation remains in limbo in Northern Ireland

elderly and frail British former soldiers are even now being brought

before the courts on serious charges whilst multiple terrorist murderers

walk free having served either derisory sentences or none at all

McCann the Secretary of State assure us that the government remains

focused on rectifying this inequality of treatment? -- can be

Secretary of State. I know that this is an issue that you have raised

consistently in this house and others, as well, and I commend them

for the focus they have given, but what I would say, as a government we

remain committed to implementing the Stormont house institutions and that

reform that is about fair and balanced and proportionate efforts

in respect of the investigations of the past. That is what the agreement

sets out very clearly, in applying the rule of law, but as I have said

before, I will never tire from the recognition that I have and others

across government have body tied his contribution that so many in our

security and Armed Forces provided to make sure that we have the piece

today -- will not tire of the contribution. When we established a

bold government in 2007, we did that because the Prime Minister of the

day spent 80 hours in St Andrews hands-on dealing with all parties

with the tea shop of Ireland -- establish a devolved government. The

point I want to ask though, given the billion pounds that is being

expended by the government, could he assure the house that no expenditure

decision will be taken in the absence of devolved government by

civil servants on expenditure priorities for that money? What I

would say is that there are clear needs in Northern Ireland which is

why I made the point that I did around the potential need for

further clarification is in the Northern Ireland civil service in

respect of budgetary issues, and also I would underline that last

week's statement recognised the particular needs and circumstances

of Northern Ireland and how there are urgent and pressing priorities

and that is why I think an executive needs to be put into place but

clearly acting in the best interests of Northern Ireland we will keep

that closely under review if the executive is not possible to be

formed in the coming days. Vicky Ford. I would like to ask about the

situation on board are especially regarding Brexit negotiations and as

a member of the house that was born in Northern Ireland I know how

important it is to not go back to the hardboard I remember from my

childhood. Given that the British negotiators and EU negotiators have

said they do not wish to see a hardboard, how soon can we make sure

that this situation is resolved in order to make that the people of

Northern Ireland know that their future is more certain? -- hard

border. As you will know from your experience, the issue of Northern

Ireland is a priority item in the Brexit negotiations and that

discussions have commenced and indeed the work that we continue to

do in that regard, providing that assurance around border and other

issues and how as a government we believe a solution can be found,

that there is goodwill on all sides in relation to finding that

solution, reaching that agreement through the Common travel area and

also looking at the issue of the movement of goods and services

across the border to make sure it remains invisible and seamless and

that is a clear and firm priority of this government to achieve. Sammy

Wilson. My party is also disappointed that the executive has

not been re-established after being brought down by Sinn Fein earlier

this year. We'll be Secretary of State confirmed that only one party

in Northern Ireland is insisting on any preconditions on the setting up

of the sector? -- will the. And that those preconditions are so

unreasonable, including the establishment of an Irish language

act which would cost tens of millions of pounds, and the

commitment by this party to overthrow its manifesto commitments

and the refusal to sit with Arlene Foster who won the last election,

will he confirm that those conditions amount to blackmail and

that the establishment of any executive on that basis would be

fragile and could not possibly exist? And maybe he could confirm,

has he given into Sinn Fein's demands? That there will be no

transparency of the funds they received to the Irish Republic to

their covers question not I know there are strong views on a number

of issues, and what I would say, I know that his party and Sinn Fein

continue in the discussions to find resolution on these issues and that

work and discussions are continuing today. Shortly before this session

started. To resolve differences. I think it is that element where focus

needs to lie, to see that we have any executive performing in the best

interest of Northern Ireland which I know his party has indicated that

they want to see. And therefore I think it is that focused that we

will continue to support all the parties involved in this process to

find that resolution to look beyond difference of parties, recognising

also that the political process in Northern Ireland is respect shall,

something that so many people have worked so hard to get to this point

and I think he and others would all want to see that progressing into

the future and seeing that we see that positive bright future for

Northern Ireland across all communities. Thank you very much.

The additional funds committed in Northern Ireland continues to be

wrongly labelled as money for a single party in the province, will

the signatory of state confirm that this is money for the whole province

to be spent by all parties and it represents a billion more reasons

for political leadership to be restored at Stormont? -- Secretary

of State. You make a very clear and important point, that the funding

package that was announced last week was very firmly for the benefit of

all the communities to actually see that investment in infrastructure.

That has not kept pace with other parts of the UK, to deal with issues

where we have employment rates which are behind other nations of the

United Kingdom and also to deal with reform inserting keep up its

services, that is for the benefit of all in Northern Ireland and while we

want to see the executive make decisions and seeing them feeding

the benefit of that, I think that provides the real benefit and

potential which we want to see seized -- feeling. This crisis has

meandered across Vics Munce, two elections and two and a half missed

deadlines -- across two elections. There is a time for intervention,

why won't the Prime Minister go to Belfast with the tea shop and find a

resolution to this that we all want to see. I agree that we do want to

see this resolution, and that there have been interventions that have

been made by the UK Government, the Irish government and also seeking

that, those supportive voices to assist in community and elsewhere to

get the parties focus on seeing the bigger picture and looking beyond

difference and being able to get the executive formed. We will use all

interventions appropriately to get that outcome and that is why I make

the point about the work the Prime Minister has done. Which I have done

and the Irish government have done and which the Irish remains to have

done, but also the fact that time is progressing -- the Irish Foreign

Minister has done. We no time is moving on and if we don't see

resolution quickly there will be a need to do various steps round

budgets and other issues and why we are still working hard to support

the parties but ultimately it is for the parties to reach that agreement

and to see that bridge... Those divides crossed, so the executive is

formed and I can assure him of the urgency and the attention and time

and effort which is made in that regard. Nigel Mills. As the only

member on this side of the chamber to vote for transparency to

donations,, well, can I welcome what he has said. Will there be no more

need for any more money from Westminster to get this deal over

the line with the DUP? The funds that were announced last week

clearly, they should provide that sense of opportunity, that sense of

potential on those issues that were clearly of relevance to Northern

Ireland, on the lack of transport infrastructure compared to other

parts of the UK and the issue of digital and broadband which has

lagged behind other parts of the UK, and I think it should give that

sense of incentive and opportunity of how an executive can deliver and

get on with so many of the things that it wants to see. Dennis

Skinner. Is the minister aware that this impasse in Northern Ireland has

been complicated by the fact that the result of the general election

has meant that the government has had to get involved in a protection

money racket in system of ?1 billion, and the only way to get rid

of that, may I say, as a suggestion, is for the Prime Minister to call

another general election. We know that she is frightened to death of

doing it because she knows that the Labour Party would win. And we would

form a government which would get rid of this almighty mess and there

would be no protection racket money and we would have a decent Labour

government that would get rid of austerity. Get on with it. It sounds

as if the honourable gentleman has not recognised the result of the

last election and whilst the house will be interested in his comments,

I don't think they will make any difference in solving the real

problem is that we are wrestling with in Northern Ireland. Jonathan

Edwards. If direct rule is imposed, can the joint ministerial committee

on European negotiations perform this role without the participation

of the parts of the British state? As I have indicated in my statement,

we are very firmly not looking at interventions that are even getting

to the point that he's alluding to and that would profoundly not be in

the interests of Northern Ireland to be heading down that way which is

why I made the point about the executive and the best way to

address his point by seeing the executive into place and having a

Deputy First Minister representing Northern Ireland and arguing very

firmly in their interests on Brexit and other issues will stop Kevin

Brennan. This is an unusual parliament, there is no

representation because of the loss of seats by the SDLP and the welcome

continued refusal of Sinn Fein to take their seats in this chamber. --

the unwelcome. There is no representation of Irish nationalist

opinion for many decades. Given what the Secretary of State said about

the possibility of having to bring forward legislation in the near

future regarding Northern Ireland, how will he make sure that that

strain of opinion from Northern Ireland is fully taken into account

in the consideration of legislation? I'm very conscious in my role as

Secretary of State in listening to voices from all parts of the

community and in this house there are no voices from the nationalist

community which is represented and therefore I will continue to engage

intensively with all parties in Northern Ireland to continue to

listen and to hear specific points that they make. And make sure that

that is reflected in my own consideration and the consideration

of government more broadly as we look at the legislators

programmatic. -- programme ahead. The Secretary of State will know my

other commitment to devolution but at some point there needs to be a

realisation that the parrot could possibly be dead and that it is no

more, and if that's the case regarding evolution, can he put a

time frame on the life expectancy that is ultimately left in this dead

bird? Will appropriations be moved before the summer recess? The head

of the Northern Ireland civil service has indicated that we are

not at that point yet in terms of the need for an appropriations bill

to be passed. I think we are still a little way away from that.

Nevertheless, there are urging issues which do need to be addressed

in terms of the financial position in Northern Ireland and why I made

the points I did my statement around the need for further assurance to be

granted, and I would say that I think there is still very firmly

life there and I would say that the engagement we continue to see and I

would say that I think there is still very firmly life there and I

would say that the engagement we continue to see is profoundly that

is what is is still very firmly life there and I would say that the

engagement we continue to see profoundly that is what is in the

interests of Northern Ireland, to have locally elected politicians

serving the community in Northern Ireland which I know he believes in

very strongly and as a government we will not be giving up on that. We

are working tirelessly to make sure that we see this reconciliation and

that we see this outcome, that we know is what Northern Ireland needs,

and I earnestly hope that with the efforts that continue to be given

that we will see that progress and see the invitation of a

power-sharing executive in a very short period of time. --

implication. Secretary Sajid Javid. With

permission Mr Speaker, I would like to update the house on the

government's response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy and safety

inspection of cladding in other public buildings. Almost three weeks

have passed since the tragedy. Progress has been made to help the

survivors and those in the surrounding buildings affected.

Landlords across the country have taken measures to make the building

is safe. Sir Martin Moore Bic has