0:00:13 > 0:00:17Hello and welcome to BBC Parliament's live coverage of the
0:00:17 > 0:00:21House of Commons. In 30 minutes, Theresa May will face Jeremy Corbyn
0:00:21 > 0:00:27and backbenchers and the dispatch box for Prime Minister's Questions.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31At the last, an urgent question on the issue is unfolding in Zimbabwe
0:00:31 > 0:00:35where the military has taken control. The main business built the
0:00:35 > 0:00:39second day of debate on the European Union mistral bill activity stage.
0:00:39 > 0:00:44The discussion is expected to focus on employment rights and
0:00:44 > 0:00:46environmental protections. Do remember to join me, Alysia
0:00:46 > 0:00:53McCarthy, later at 11pm for round-ups of both houses of
0:00:53 > 0:01:09parliament. First, James Brokenshire.Order, order. Questions
0:01:09 > 0:01:15to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.Question number
0:01:15 > 0:01:19one.The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, secondary James
0:01:19 > 0:01:24Brokenshire.Thank you, Mr Speaker. A clear intent is to avoid any
0:01:24 > 0:01:27physical infrastructure on the land border and we welcome the commission
0:01:27 > 0:01:31's commitment to this as an important step forward. The success
0:01:31 > 0:01:35of the land border comes from the fact that it's a seamless and
0:01:35 > 0:01:41invisible. They are resolute in ensuring this remains the case.Will
0:01:41 > 0:01:44be Government incorporate safeguards to protect the peace process and
0:01:44 > 0:01:47ensure compliance with the Good Friday Agreement, including in EU
0:01:47 > 0:01:54withdrawal Bill?What I would say to the honourable lady is that we are
0:01:54 > 0:01:59resolutely committed to upholding both the Good Friday Agreement in
0:01:59 > 0:02:03all its parts and finding a solution that works for the people of
0:02:03 > 0:02:07Northern Ireland and Ireland. We have had continued engagement with
0:02:07 > 0:02:11the commission. We have in our judgment made a good progress in
0:02:11 > 0:02:16relation to this. In that, there are various principles that have been
0:02:16 > 0:02:18agreed which may well need to be incorporated with any final
0:02:18 > 0:02:27agreement.To what extent does my honourable friend think that the
0:02:27 > 0:02:31European Commission has considered articles eight and 21 of the Lisbon
0:02:31 > 0:02:34Treaty that requires the EU to develop a special relationship with
0:02:34 > 0:02:40its neighbours and new to preserve peace and prevent conflict? To what
0:02:40 > 0:02:46extent will that be achieved by driving a border between Northern
0:02:46 > 0:02:50Ireland and its biggest trading partner by far. That is to say the
0:02:50 > 0:02:56United Kingdom of Great Britain.And grateful for my honourable friend's
0:02:56 > 0:03:00comments and clearly we respect the European Union's desire to protect
0:03:00 > 0:03:06the legal order of the single market and the customs union but that
0:03:06 > 0:03:10cannot come and the constitutional and economic integrity of the United
0:03:10 > 0:03:15Kingdom. As he said, we do recognise the need for specific solutions for
0:03:15 > 0:03:19the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland, that I think there is a
0:03:19 > 0:03:22responsibility to all of us to be thoughtful and creative but that
0:03:22 > 0:03:28cannot amount to a new border appearing within the United Kingdom.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Thank you. May I ask the Secretary of State is the Northern Ireland
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Office has produced an analysis of the impact of Brexit on Northern
0:03:35 > 0:03:40Ireland that will contribute to the rumoured 58 articles, the sectoral
0:03:40 > 0:03:48analyses that we know are being produced? Will to all such materials
0:03:48 > 0:03:54as his ex-EU colleagues have already done?I thank the honourable
0:03:54 > 0:03:58gentleman for highlighting the sectoral were currently 58 different
0:03:58 > 0:04:01areas of activity Kamal trade is conducted with the EU currently and
0:04:01 > 0:04:05what the potential alternatives might be. I can say that the
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Northern Ireland Office has contributed at official level to
0:04:08 > 0:04:12network cross Government and he will well know that the commitments being
0:04:12 > 0:04:19made are to the publication of that ongoing work.Isn't it the case that
0:04:19 > 0:04:23no one can decide what arrangements mean putting in place on the Irish
0:04:23 > 0:04:28border if indeed any will be needed until such time as trade
0:04:28 > 0:04:31negotiations have been concluded? Isn't it the case that the EU should
0:04:31 > 0:04:39get in those trade negotiations now? That I get on with those.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42-- get on with those.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46We want to proceed with the doctrine that is the message I get to Michel
0:04:46 > 0:04:51Barnier when I was in Brussels next -- last week. Insignificant progress
0:04:51 > 0:04:55to the first phase and that is where our focus remains in seeing that
0:04:55 > 0:04:58they, yes, demonstrate our commitment to this first three items
0:04:58 > 0:05:01but getting on with the second phase which absolutely is about the
0:05:01 > 0:05:05injuring relationship and part of that is very firmly solving the
0:05:05 > 0:05:10issues in relation to Northern Ireland and Ireland.Thank you. Can
0:05:10 > 0:05:13I warmly welcome what the Secretary of State has said about the no
0:05:13 > 0:05:18creation of new borders in part of the United Kingdom and canny be
0:05:18 > 0:05:25assured that we have supported him on that and it would be catastrophic
0:05:25 > 0:05:28if not politically disastrous for Northern Ireland to be separated in
0:05:28 > 0:05:34any way from its biggest market as he says and he has our full support
0:05:34 > 0:05:38in that stands?And grateful to the honourable gentleman for his
0:05:38 > 0:05:44comments and the solutions that we are determined in finding create no
0:05:44 > 0:05:47barriers, north, south, east or west for the trading and constitutional
0:05:47 > 0:05:51issues that he rightly highlights. That remains firm intent and I
0:05:51 > 0:05:54believe that some of the commitment that already have been made by the
0:05:54 > 0:05:57commission underlined that but clearly we need to get a firm
0:05:57 > 0:06:03agreement in that regard.On this issue of the hard border in the EU
0:06:03 > 0:06:08and the Brexit negotiations, as he knows today Sinn Fein instead of
0:06:08 > 0:06:11coming to the house are taking place in the assembly and being in the
0:06:11 > 0:06:13executive are down in Dublin pleading with their political
0:06:13 > 0:06:19opponents for relevance and hacking for more Dublin influence any
0:06:19 > 0:06:21internal affairs of Northern Ireland. Will they this opportunity
0:06:21 > 0:06:26to reiterate the clear position of the UK and the Irish governments to
0:06:26 > 0:06:32set out the Belfast agreement? The Strand one internal issues of
0:06:32 > 0:06:34Northern Ireland are an matter for the UK Government at this house
0:06:34 > 0:06:40alone.Mr Speaker, I think the honourable gentleman firmly set out
0:06:40 > 0:06:44the framework, because additional frame at a Northern Ireland, the
0:06:44 > 0:06:46Belfast Good Friday Agreement, principle of consent. Very firmly,
0:06:46 > 0:06:52the three strand approach and to be clear, it is ultimately for the UK
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Government to provide certainty of the delivery of public services in
0:06:55 > 0:06:59the Strand one issues in relation to Northern Ireland.Thank you. Could I
0:06:59 > 0:07:06have my honourable friend if, regardless of the border set up, we
0:07:06 > 0:07:10hope it's invisible, regardless of this, the security services and the
0:07:10 > 0:07:16police services of the north and east now must work in the closest
0:07:16 > 0:07:21possible way and that is part of Brexit as well.I totally agree with
0:07:21 > 0:07:28my honourable friend in relation to the strength of cooperation between
0:07:28 > 0:07:35the PSNI in all levels in terms of fighting terrorism and organised
0:07:35 > 0:07:40crime and tally resolute against this threat and how we are
0:07:40 > 0:07:42strengthened by the cooperation and how that needs to deepen and
0:07:42 > 0:07:51flourish further in the years ahead. I welcome those words from the
0:07:51 > 0:07:54Secretary of State for the crimes of dishonesty of course as well as
0:07:54 > 0:07:59violence mark the troubles. What provisions is he making to prevent
0:07:59 > 0:08:03any future hard border against smuggling and organised crime? What
0:08:03 > 0:08:06assessment he made of the increasing border Force officers needed to
0:08:06 > 0:08:12secure any hard border?On the last point, we are firmly working on the
0:08:12 > 0:08:16basis that a hard border will not happen. That's a quarterly common
0:08:16 > 0:08:21travel area and that the work jointly as part of the negotiations
0:08:21 > 0:08:26underpinned Nat. I would point to positive joint work between Revenue
0:08:26 > 0:08:30and Customs agencies in Northern Ireland and in the Republic, too, to
0:08:30 > 0:08:35confront organised crime and work with the National Crime Agency, that
0:08:35 > 0:08:40is being strengthened even further. Thank you. It's very kind of you.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43The Secretary of State will know perfectly well that his Cabinet
0:08:43 > 0:08:48colleague, the Brexit secretary, is preparing for a no deal Brexit. If
0:08:48 > 0:08:54we have no deal, that will inevitably mean a hard border for
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Northern Ireland and that would be a capacity for Northern Ireland. Just
0:08:56 > 0:09:01for once, with the Secretary of State set aside his diplomatic speak
0:09:01 > 0:09:05and explain to the people of Northern Ireland how the Government
0:09:05 > 0:09:09would take back control of the Northern Ireland border in the UK
0:09:09 > 0:09:15crashes out of the EU?I think it rightly focus on getting that deal.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19Our support Common travel area, which is equally supported by the
0:09:19 > 0:09:23Irish governments and the principles that have already been agreed in
0:09:23 > 0:09:27relation to be progress on the first phase of the negotiations. That is
0:09:27 > 0:09:31where our focus right the remains and I believe that remains fully
0:09:31 > 0:09:44achievable. -- firmly achievable. Question number two.Thank you. The
0:09:44 > 0:09:49communal line continues to grow with 42,000 people in work than 2010, and
0:09:49 > 0:09:52read investment playing an important part in that successful as we
0:09:52 > 0:09:56develop our new regulation ships and expand global trade network, we will
0:09:56 > 0:10:00continue to promote Northern Ireland have a place to invest and do
0:10:00 > 0:10:03business.I think the minister is seeking to put this question number
0:10:03 > 0:10:11three. That of the honourable gentleman for Whitney who we would
0:10:11 > 0:10:14not wish to exclude.I thank my honourable friend for her reply.
0:10:14 > 0:10:19Would she confirmed that the Government remains committed to
0:10:19 > 0:10:22devolving tax powers to the executive in order to help Northern
0:10:22 > 0:10:26Ireland better compete with Ireland for investment and jobs? For this to
0:10:26 > 0:10:34happen, we need a fully functioning set of sustainable finances.Mr
0:10:34 > 0:10:37Speaker, my honourable friend is absolutely right. The imperative
0:10:37 > 0:10:41front is to see a fully functioning executive restored so it can take
0:10:41 > 0:10:45these kind of steps to support the economy along with many, many other
0:10:45 > 0:10:52things on it to do list.Thank you. Would my honourable friend please
0:10:52 > 0:10:54confirm that Northern Ireland remains one of the most attractive
0:10:54 > 0:10:57part of the UK in which to invest and the key to continuing this will
0:10:57 > 0:11:01be working with the restored executive to ensure that Northern
0:11:01 > 0:11:07Ireland benefits from the modern industrial strategy?Again, Mr
0:11:07 > 0:11:10Speaker, this is precisely the point in front of us. Northern Ireland has
0:11:10 > 0:11:14already proven itself to be a top destination for inward investment in
0:11:14 > 0:11:20the last year alone unwelcoming 22 new investors, which brings 34 new
0:11:20 > 0:11:23foreign investment projects, more than 1600 new jobs. But you can
0:11:23 > 0:11:33exact kind of thing further, we need an executive in place.In 2007,
0:11:33 > 0:11:35intelligible devolution, the parties in Northern Ireland collectively
0:11:35 > 0:11:38agreed to throw their weight behind the important work of growing the
0:11:38 > 0:11:42economy in Northern Ireland to achieving success particularly in
0:11:42 > 0:11:44relation to direct investment. Any Minister outlined how you will
0:11:44 > 0:11:52assist, invest NI in the absence of ministers because Sinn Fein reviewed
0:11:52 > 0:12:00this to get back into Government and deliver for Northern Ireland.Mr
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Speaker, the honourable lady draws us into some of the themes that we
0:12:02 > 0:12:08get to at some length in this place on Monday night. This Government is
0:12:08 > 0:12:11prepared to do everything necessary to support the good governance of
0:12:11 > 0:12:16Northern Ireland. The point remains that our first priority is to see an
0:12:16 > 0:12:20executive restored so that it can do its part of the economic development
0:12:20 > 0:12:23we all want to see for Rossetti, for the rest of Northern Ireland and
0:12:23 > 0:12:27indeed for the good of the old United Kingdom as they also face the
0:12:27 > 0:12:32large task of EU experts.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36Will the Minister ensure that the government 's efforts to bring
0:12:36 > 0:12:38inward investment focus on the whole of Northern Ireland, including
0:12:38 > 0:12:50places like Newry, Omar, and Londonderry,/ dairy.I look back 20
0:12:50 > 0:12:54last week when I was in the Newry, talking to teenagers about the
0:12:54 > 0:12:58future they want for Northern Ireland and that is extremely
0:12:58 > 0:13:01important. We need to look across the entire area and ensure we are
0:13:01 > 0:13:07working for all of the people in the Northern Ireland as well as all the
0:13:07 > 0:13:17people in the United Kingdom.Mr Speaker, this government is
0:13:17 > 0:13:22committed for a strategy that works for everyone. We want to deliver
0:13:22 > 0:13:28growth across the country and support and create jobs in Northern
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Ireland. Ultimately the requirement for strong growth is political
0:13:31 > 0:13:38stability so I say again that we received a restored executive.The
0:13:38 > 0:13:50UK Government 's pledged to fund the EU peace for a interrater up until
0:13:50 > 0:13:552020, there is still already strong third party cooperation in the
0:13:55 > 0:13:59northern Arctic programme so will bid UK seat that third country
0:13:59 > 0:14:07status after Brexit or after 2020, given the strong involvement in
0:14:07 > 0:14:11Northern Ireland in intereg or as the government looking at an option
0:14:11 > 0:14:15to replace it?This is a very important point. I would be more
0:14:15 > 0:14:19than happy to write on the detail but in brief the government will
0:14:19 > 0:14:22guarantee funding for structural and investment funds projects signed
0:14:22 > 0:14:26until the point at which we leave the EU. We have spoken specifically
0:14:26 > 0:14:32about European territorial cooperation fund of which this is a
0:14:32 > 0:14:36part and we have a position paper on Ireland and Northern Ireland and we
0:14:36 > 0:14:41think it is important to endeavour to see those funds continue.With
0:14:41 > 0:14:46the Minister agree with me that too many people are concentrating on
0:14:46 > 0:14:50potential threats that may emerge after Brexit but what is she doing
0:14:50 > 0:14:54to try and promote businesses in Northern Ireland who have a
0:14:54 > 0:14:58fantastic opportunity to take advantage of getting business into
0:14:58 > 0:15:03GB as well as into the EU, strategically placed, as they are,
0:15:03 > 0:15:09in Northern Ireland.I think the honourable gentleman raises an
0:15:09 > 0:15:12important point. There are a few things to say on this. The first is
0:15:12 > 0:15:16that we ought to pay tribute to those businesses in Northern Ireland
0:15:16 > 0:15:20that have created so many thousands of jobs, for example we see more
0:15:20 > 0:15:24than 10,000 new jobs having been created in the last year alone which
0:15:24 > 0:15:27is important progress. Secondly I would say this government will never
0:15:27 > 0:15:31be neutral on the subject of the union and you will see our support
0:15:31 > 0:15:34on the trade that leads to go between Northern Ireland and Great
0:15:34 > 0:15:39Britain. Our exit from the European Union gives additional opportunities
0:15:39 > 0:15:43for firms in Northern Ireland to trade around the globe that is an
0:15:43 > 0:15:48opportunity to be seized.On that precise point trade between Northern
0:15:48 > 0:15:52Ireland and Ireland is important but far outstripped by trade between
0:15:52 > 0:15:55Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Will the Minister confirm that the
0:15:55 > 0:15:58Conservative government will do nothing to fracture the internal
0:15:58 > 0:16:05market of the United Kingdom.Yes, Mr Speaker, I certainly can. We are
0:16:05 > 0:16:09convinced of the need to go out and seek those opportunities around the
0:16:09 > 0:16:13globe that will bring more jobs to Northern Ireland, greater prosperity
0:16:13 > 0:16:16to both Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom together because we
0:16:16 > 0:16:29are stronger together.Number five, Mr Speaker. With permission I will
0:16:29 > 0:16:32answer questions five and 12 together. The government has a clear
0:16:32 > 0:16:36manifesto commitment to work towards a comprehensive and ambitious set of
0:16:36 > 0:16:40city deals across Northern Ireland, to boost investment and unlock
0:16:40 > 0:16:44Northern Ireland 's full potential. The Communities Secretary and I have
0:16:44 > 0:16:46already had early discussions with partners in the Belfast city
0:16:46 > 0:16:57regions.I would like to confirm that city deals developed by this
0:16:57 > 0:17:01government have been a success across Great Britain and that
0:17:01 > 0:17:05Northern Ireland stands to benefit immensely from their development
0:17:05 > 0:17:10over there.I can. The fact is that Northern Ireland has had no city
0:17:10 > 0:17:17deals, whereas England, Scotland and Wales have made 33 deals worth up to
0:17:17 > 0:17:20£4.9 billion. It is the change that that brings. The other finance that
0:17:20 > 0:17:25that is able to unlock and that is why we do believe very strongly that
0:17:25 > 0:17:30there is a firm place for city deals in Northern Ireland and we are
0:17:30 > 0:17:34committed to advancing map.Can my right honourable friend give an
0:17:34 > 0:17:37assurance that as an England, it is important that the provincial towns
0:17:37 > 0:17:43benefit from city deals and Willie ensure that not just Belfast but the
0:17:43 > 0:17:49whole of Northern Ireland benefit from the growth of city deals?
0:17:49 > 0:17:54Absolutely. We want to see the benefit of city deals being felt
0:17:54 > 0:17:57across Northern Ireland down whilst the Belfast city region have been
0:17:57 > 0:18:01advancing their own proposals it is right that we do look across
0:18:01 > 0:18:04Northern Ireland and to the north-west and all parts to see that
0:18:04 > 0:18:08the benefit of city deals is felt firmly and the transformative effect
0:18:08 > 0:18:15that can be brought about is felled. The Secretary of State should be
0:18:15 > 0:18:18encouraged that discussions continue apace at local level in the Belfast
0:18:18 > 0:18:24city region and with officials at a regional and national level as well,
0:18:24 > 0:18:28but with no Assembly sitting and the Democratic participant of deficit in
0:18:28 > 0:18:33this arrangement, how will he encourage the involvement of
0:18:33 > 0:18:37representatives in that Belfast region and in this House to see the
0:18:37 > 0:18:44project come to fruition?Is the honourable gentleman knows, I have
0:18:44 > 0:18:48had some initial discussions with honourable and right honourable
0:18:48 > 0:18:52members as well as with Belfast City Council at that initial phase. We
0:18:52 > 0:18:56are looking carefully as to how this work can move forward practically
0:18:56 > 0:19:01through officials and other means. It is that determination that I have
0:19:01 > 0:19:04to see city deals taking effect and the benefit of that being felt and
0:19:04 > 0:19:09how that engagement will continue to make that happen.Number six,
0:19:09 > 0:19:16please.With your position I will -- with your permission I will answer
0:19:16 > 0:19:20this question 13 together. The fundamentals of the Northern Ireland
0:19:20 > 0:19:24economy remains strong growth last year at 1.6%. Economic activity is
0:19:24 > 0:19:28up and exports have risen. Unemployment has fallen to levels
0:19:28 > 0:19:32not seen since before the Labour recession of 2008 and 42,000 more
0:19:32 > 0:19:39people are in work compared to 2010. I thank the Minister for the answer.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Can the Minister confirm that the unemployment rate in Northern
0:19:42 > 0:19:48Ireland today is 4.7%, down from 7% under the party opposite and any
0:19:48 > 0:19:52return to the high tax and out-of-control spending a record
0:19:52 > 0:19:55deficit of the Labour years would have a disastrous impact on the
0:19:55 > 0:20:00Northern Ireland economy.I certainly would. Under this
0:20:00 > 0:20:03Conservative government unemployment is at its lowest level in four
0:20:03 > 0:20:09decades. Label would put all of that at risk and we want to see over 1000
0:20:09 > 0:20:18jobs continue to be created per day. Excessive noise in the chamber. We
0:20:18 > 0:20:21are discussing... Order! Matters of very great importance to the people
0:20:21 > 0:20:25of Northern Ireland and they should be treated with respect. As should
0:20:25 > 0:20:29the honourable lady, the member for Chelmsford, who is about to ask her
0:20:29 > 0:20:36question.Thank you. Does the Minister agree that was the recent
0:20:36 > 0:20:39performance of the Northern Ireland economy is strong thanks in large
0:20:39 > 0:20:43part to this Conservative government, the sparkling gem of our
0:20:43 > 0:20:47country that is Northern Ireland still has the potential to do better
0:20:47 > 0:20:52and this would be boosted by the restoration of an executive with
0:20:52 > 0:20:59local ministers taking local decisions?Mr Speaker, my honourable
0:20:59 > 0:21:03friend is absolutely right and I know she knows the region well. She
0:21:03 > 0:21:08will know that tourism numbers, for example, for the first six months of
0:21:08 > 0:21:122017, have hit a high record and Belfast and the Causeway Coast are
0:21:12 > 0:21:16being rated the best region in the world to visit in the coming year by
0:21:16 > 0:21:22lonely planet. What we need to do to continue that kind of progress is
0:21:22 > 0:21:25our ad political stability to the mix so economic development can
0:21:25 > 0:21:30continue to be supported.The Minister will know that there has
0:21:30 > 0:21:33been some good results out this morning as far as the economy of
0:21:33 > 0:21:37Northern Ireland but also would she agree that this party has negotiated
0:21:37 > 0:21:42a fantastic deal with the Tory party which will help to create jobs in
0:21:42 > 0:21:50Northern Ireland and strengthen the economy in the future?Everybody in
0:21:50 > 0:21:55this House ought to celebrate their being further economic progress in
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Northern Ireland and there being a strong government that can do that
0:21:58 > 0:22:03and support economic progress for the whole of the United Kingdom.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08Could the Minister indicate to the House who is now responsible for
0:22:08 > 0:22:13expenditure on this area? Who will sign of projects on this area? Will
0:22:13 > 0:22:18parties other than Sinn Fein and the DUP be consulted on those
0:22:18 > 0:22:23expenditure proposals?The right honourable gentleman is a
0:22:23 > 0:22:25distinctive Northern Ireland minister and he is entitled to be
0:22:25 > 0:22:33heard by courtesy at the very least by members of his own benches.The
0:22:33 > 0:22:35Right Honourable gentleman raises important points that again were
0:22:35 > 0:22:39given a very good debate in this chamber on Monday night. The point
0:22:39 > 0:22:44is that we wish for political progress to be seen through the
0:22:44 > 0:22:47formation of an executive where accountability would be extremely
0:22:47 > 0:22:52clear. In the interim period we see that measures have not been put in
0:22:52 > 0:22:55place by this House on Monday night to allow the Northern Ireland civil
0:22:55 > 0:22:59service to continue to spend as is required by the population of
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Northern Ireland and they are under a duty to do so fairly and equally
0:23:02 > 0:23:11between communities.Number seven, Mr Speaker.Maintaining our strong
0:23:11 > 0:23:14historic ties with Northern Ireland is an important priority including
0:23:14 > 0:23:18the rights of our citizens in the UK, as provided for in domestic
0:23:18 > 0:23:24legislation including the Northern Ireland act 1949. These reciprocal
0:23:24 > 0:23:26arrangements reflect the long-standing social and economic
0:23:26 > 0:23:31ties between UK and Ireland.Along with the Ireland act of 1949 the
0:23:31 > 0:23:35Good Friday Agreement has been a pillar of progress and also meant
0:23:35 > 0:23:38that political funding rules in Northern Ireland are different to
0:23:38 > 0:23:43the rest of the United Kingdom. At the weekend and investigation
0:23:43 > 0:23:48revealed the constitutional research Council, an organisation with ties
0:23:48 > 0:23:53to the Scottish Conservative Party has been given a record fine for
0:23:53 > 0:24:00failing to disclose the origin of £425,000 of donation to the DUP. Can
0:24:00 > 0:24:05the secretary of state in light of the House today as to why the
0:24:05 > 0:24:09constitutional research Council was given the filing the first place?
0:24:09 > 0:24:16All I can say to the honourable gentleman is that in respect of the
0:24:16 > 0:24:19constitutional arrangements, yes, of course we uphold the Belfast Good
0:24:19 > 0:24:22Friday Agreement and we are determined that will be reflected
0:24:22 > 0:24:26into the final deal but I cannot offer him any more greater insight
0:24:26 > 0:24:32into the other matters he has brought into the House.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40I know from previous questions at the honourable lady is concerned on
0:24:40 > 0:24:44a particular circumstances that can apply to claimants in Northern
0:24:44 > 0:24:47Ireland. The DWP and the Northern Ireland Department for communities
0:24:47 > 0:24:51have worked closely together to enable the exemption for
0:24:51 > 0:24:54nonconsensual conception to be applied sensitively. As I said to
0:24:54 > 0:24:58the honourable lady in July this year guidance states that women
0:24:58 > 0:25:02applying for this exception do not have to tell a third party the name
0:25:02 > 0:25:06of the other biological parent, nor is there a requirement of the third
0:25:06 > 0:25:09party to seek any further evidence beyond confirming that the exception
0:25:09 > 0:25:16should apply.I have been pursuing this issue for over two years now.
0:25:16 > 0:25:21That answer is simply not good enough. When I visited Belfast
0:25:21 > 0:25:25recently the Northern Ireland women's aid Federation, doctors,
0:25:25 > 0:25:30nurses, midwives, social workers, all expressed their serious, loans
0:25:30 > 0:25:33about the applications of this policy for women fleeing domestic
0:25:33 > 0:25:37is, both of whom can be prosecuted under the criminal Law act in
0:25:37 > 0:25:40Northern Ireland. Will she act now and speaking the Prime Minister 's
0:25:40 > 0:25:46ear and ask for this policy to be scrapped once and for all?No, I
0:25:46 > 0:25:50went. She making the answer is not good enough but it has the merit of
0:25:50 > 0:26:03being true.Can the Minister simply confirm that women rape victims in
0:26:03 > 0:26:09Northern Ireland will be at risk of potential prosecution as a result of
0:26:09 > 0:26:20these measures? Yes, or no?No.I think the Minister and I hope the
0:26:20 > 0:26:25Prime Minister need to reflect on that answer because I have a letter
0:26:25 > 0:26:29here from the Director of Public Prosecutions in Northern Ireland who
0:26:29 > 0:26:34said in answer to my question about this very issue, it is a potential
0:26:34 > 0:26:37offence to withhold information regarding an act of rape. The
0:26:37 > 0:26:41legislation does not distinguish between a Victor Mansaray third
0:26:41 > 0:26:47party to whom disclosure is made. Each is potentially liable to
0:26:47 > 0:26:52prosecution. How on earth can the government countenance making women
0:26:52 > 0:26:57in Northern Ireland who are subject to rape imprisonable under the law?
0:26:57 > 0:27:05How can she accept that?The fact is, Mr Speaker, we are not doing so.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09As I answered to the honourable lady, there is clear guidance on the
0:27:09 > 0:27:14former makes the legal position very clear and we have sensitively