0:00:00 > 0:00:00Damian Moore who will talk about the security situation in Northern
0:00:00 > 0:00:04Ireland.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28Order. Questions to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Damian
0:00:28 > 0:00:37Moore.Mr Speaker, the threat from Northern Ireland related terrorism
0:00:37 > 0:00:40continues to be severe within Northern Ireland, meaning an attack
0:00:40 > 0:00:44is highly likely. This government will always give the fullest
0:00:44 > 0:00:50possible support to the brave men and women of the PF Nite and MI5. We
0:00:50 > 0:00:54remain fully committed to keep people safe and secure and ensuring
0:00:54 > 0:00:58that terrorism never succeeds -- the brave men and women of the PSNI.
0:00:58 > 0:01:03Will he agree with me that while much of our time and focus related
0:01:03 > 0:01:08to international terrorism threats, it is vital we do not lose sight of
0:01:08 > 0:01:11the very real and continuing threat from the dissidents in Northern
0:01:11 > 0:01:16Ireland and in that context, will he commend the ongoing work of the
0:01:16 > 0:01:21police service for Northern Ireland in disrupting their activities?I
0:01:21 > 0:01:27absolutely will. There have been five confirmed national security
0:01:27 > 0:01:30attacks so far in 2017 and a small number of dissident republican
0:01:30 > 0:01:35terrorist groupings continue their campaign of violence. The threat is
0:01:35 > 0:01:39suppressed by the brave efforts of the PSNI and others and the
0:01:39 > 0:01:43strategic approach we pursue. A Police Service of Northern Ireland
0:01:43 > 0:01:46and others who work to keep people safe have our full support for the
0:01:46 > 0:01:54public service they give.The Secretary of State will be aware
0:01:54 > 0:01:57that a significant proportion of the resources available to the Police
0:01:57 > 0:02:03Service of Northern Ireland to fight terrorism has to go towards
0:02:03 > 0:02:06investigating legacy cases. We'll be Secretary of State give a commitment
0:02:06 > 0:02:11that any money used for legacy will be replaced to ensure that the PSNI
0:02:11 > 0:02:15has the resources it needs to combat the existing terrorist threat?Well,
0:02:15 > 0:02:22he may know that we have committed specific funds to deal with Northern
0:02:22 > 0:02:27Ireland rated terrorism, an extra £32 million per year over the
0:02:27 > 0:02:29five-year spending review period. The point he makes about legacy is a
0:02:29 > 0:02:34valid and important one. It is why I know this is a shared approach we
0:02:34 > 0:02:39both have in wanting to see the legacy, the Stormont House bodies,
0:02:39 > 0:02:42the new approach to legacy taken forward and that's what I want to
0:02:42 > 0:02:50see in the New Year.He will be well aware of the potential security
0:02:50 > 0:02:56implications of the bombarding a Boeing dispute. In her telephone
0:02:56 > 0:03:00conversation with a president yesterday, was our Right honourable
0:03:00 > 0:03:04friend able to raise her concerns with him directly.I know there have
0:03:04 > 0:03:12been various discussions with the US Canadian authorities and Bombari
0:03:12 > 0:03:17itself in relation to the continuing dispute. We see this as unjustified
0:03:17 > 0:03:23and unwarranted. Hush macro Bombardier. We continue to challenge
0:03:23 > 0:03:27this and underline our key focus and endeavour and seeing that there's
0:03:27 > 0:03:33important jobs within Belfast are protected.Does the Secretary of
0:03:33 > 0:03:38State expects to still have access to the European arrest warrant to
0:03:38 > 0:03:43bring back criminals and terrorists who reside in the Irish Republic and
0:03:43 > 0:03:51commit acts in Northern Ireland?He will know the cross-border workand
0:03:51 > 0:03:54I really commend the work of the PSNI in terms of what they do in
0:03:54 > 0:03:59delivering security on the island of Ireland. We know there is close
0:03:59 > 0:04:03Corporation that does point to a number of EU related structures.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07That is why we want to see a new treaty established that is able to
0:04:07 > 0:04:10respond and address that, knowing the significance and wasn't a
0:04:10 > 0:04:16deepening that relationship into the future. -- the significance and
0:04:16 > 0:04:20importance of deepening that relationship in the future. I will
0:04:20 > 0:04:23answer questions two and ate together. We have been clear that
0:04:23 > 0:04:27the UK as a whole will we leaving the customs union and single market.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32We want our future relationship with the EU to be a deep and special
0:04:32 > 0:04:35partnership that works all part of the UK while recognising Northern
0:04:35 > 0:04:43Ireland's unique circumstantial.Is, at the end of this process, Northern
0:04:43 > 0:04:46Ireland remains aligned to the single market and Customs union
0:04:46 > 0:04:49while the rest of the UK does not, what impact stuff government believe
0:04:49 > 0:04:56this will have on the Northern Irish economy?As the joint report
0:04:56 > 0:05:00highlighted last week, there are three steps around this in terms of
0:05:00 > 0:05:05the free trade agreement we want to reach, then in terms of providing
0:05:05 > 0:05:07responses that meet the unique circumstances in Northern Ireland
0:05:07 > 0:05:11and finally the issue of alignment. We believe it is possible and we
0:05:11 > 0:05:16will address all of these issues to ensure we don't have a hard border.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20We have that frictionless border but actually maximise that trading
0:05:20 > 0:05:23relationship without creating any new barriers between Northern
0:05:23 > 0:05:25Ireland and Great Britain where there is that reliance on trade
0:05:25 > 0:05:33which is so important to the economy.Could I ask the Secretary
0:05:33 > 0:05:36of State whether his office has shown more diligence than the
0:05:36 > 0:05:38Department for exiting the European Union in producing an impact
0:05:38 > 0:05:43assessment on the effects to the Northern Ireland economy and all
0:05:43 > 0:05:47eventualities of leaving the European Union and if not, why not?
0:05:47 > 0:05:50I know that this issue of impact assessments is one that has been
0:05:50 > 0:05:56debated in this House previously. There are known impact -- there are
0:05:56 > 0:06:09no impact assessments, the Department for exiting the EU has...
0:06:09 > 0:06:13We need the right deal for Northern Ireland and the right deal for the
0:06:13 > 0:06:19UK as a whole.Could he confirm that trade between Northern Ireland and
0:06:19 > 0:06:23Great Britain within the UK single market is worth five times as much
0:06:23 > 0:06:29as the trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic.I can say
0:06:29 > 0:06:33to my honourable friend that yes, the trade economic activity between
0:06:33 > 0:06:37Northern Ireland and Great Britain are several times more than that in
0:06:37 > 0:06:40relation to Ireland. The point is we look to strengthen the whole
0:06:40 > 0:06:45economy. Equally, as the UK leave the European Union, we want to see
0:06:45 > 0:06:48the Irish economy having that access as well to Great Britain, the
0:06:48 > 0:06:54reliance replaced Dundee placed upon that and how we succeed and prosper
0:06:54 > 0:07:00as we leave the European Union. Isn't it the case that he is right
0:07:00 > 0:07:03to highlight that Northern Ireland's rightful places to make sure it is
0:07:03 > 0:07:05aligned with the rules of the Leicester the United Kingdom and
0:07:05 > 0:07:10that is why we have had a clear manifesto commitment to do nothing
0:07:10 > 0:07:16to damage the single market of the United Kingdom.I agree with him and
0:07:16 > 0:07:22indeed I think of that principle being enunciated firmly through the
0:07:22 > 0:07:28joint report and that is the approach we will take as we move
0:07:28 > 0:07:32into phase two of the negotiations. As we prepare to exit the European
0:07:32 > 0:07:37Union it would be far better if the Northern Ireland assembly was clear
0:07:37 > 0:07:44so can you comment on the report by Trevor Rainey on NLA's pay and can
0:07:44 > 0:07:51he bear in mind that the same principles that apply to NLA macro
0:07:51 > 0:08:01-- that apply to ten three -- MLA apply to this place.I agree that we
0:08:01 > 0:08:05want to see that executive restored, we will be approaching this in
0:08:05 > 0:08:10earnest in the New Year to see that re-established. It matters in
0:08:10 > 0:08:15different levels and the highlight the issue over the report. I commend
0:08:15 > 0:08:19him for providing that report and I will be considering the responses
0:08:19 > 0:08:23carefully.As well as the assembly, not having the executive ministers
0:08:23 > 0:08:28in place is a major disadvantage to Northern Ireland. He knows if the
0:08:28 > 0:08:34assembly were called tomorrow, the DUP would re-enter government and so
0:08:34 > 0:08:37would many of the other parties apart from Sinn Fein, that's a
0:08:37 > 0:08:41dereliction of duty on their part for which they have to answer. Would
0:08:41 > 0:08:46he accept that if we do not have an executive up and running very
0:08:46 > 0:08:52quickly that he will have to step in and provide ministers in the
0:08:52 > 0:08:56Northern Ireland Office to direct departments in the province?I know
0:08:56 > 0:09:00very firmly that there are an increasing number of decisions that
0:09:00 > 0:09:04need to be taken. That has been highlighted this week by the
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Northern Ireland civil service publishing a consultation around
0:09:07 > 0:09:12budgetary issues sowing some of the determinations that need to be taken
0:09:12 > 0:09:15by want to see ministers and executive up and running as quickly
0:09:15 > 0:09:22as possible to do that and that needs to happen quickly...If the
0:09:22 > 0:09:27Irish border deal means no regulatory divergences I to Brexit,
0:09:27 > 0:09:31can he tell us where the regulatory divergences between the UK and the
0:09:31 > 0:09:35EU will be? Will it be the Irish Sea quest doesn't mean Northern Ireland
0:09:35 > 0:09:39are staying in the customs union and single market or does it mean the UK
0:09:39 > 0:09:42will simply adhere to the rules of the customs union and the bull
0:09:42 > 0:09:48market after Brexit without having any input into the roles?I know the
0:09:48 > 0:09:51Prime Minister did deal with this in a statement on Monday but we will be
0:09:51 > 0:09:54leaving the customs union and single market and she talks about
0:09:54 > 0:10:01divergences, actually what the joint report says is alignment, which is
0:10:01 > 0:10:04about pursuing the same alignment studded objectives, it could be the
0:10:04 > 0:10:07same way that it could be different, it is about achieving as positive
0:10:07 > 0:10:16objectives.As you well know, agriculture is more important in
0:10:16 > 0:10:20Northern Ireland than to any part of the UK and is more aligned in
0:10:20 > 0:10:25Northern Ireland on farm payments and any other part of the UK said
0:10:25 > 0:10:2730,000 Ulster farmers need certainty about what Brexit will mean for
0:10:27 > 0:10:31them. In her Florence speech, the Prime Minister reassured that
0:10:31 > 0:10:35transition would mean it would occur under the existing structures of EU
0:10:35 > 0:10:40rules and regulations, including, I presume, the Common Agricultural
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Policy but on Monday the Prime Minister said the opposite. She said
0:10:43 > 0:10:50that on March 29, 2019, we will be leading the common and cultural
0:10:50 > 0:10:55policy. Which one is right?
0:10:55 > 0:10:59They are both right. We have said very clearly we are leaving the
0:10:59 > 0:11:03common agricultural policy but we have also said that we will maintain
0:11:03 > 0:11:08payments through to 2020 in relation to those arrangement and the Right
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Honourable gentleman wants to look back at what the Prime Minister said
0:11:11 > 0:11:14about the interim period, the implementation period about
0:11:14 > 0:11:17maintaining the same arrangements, I think it will answer the question
0:11:17 > 0:11:24that he will have posed.That cannot be correct, it cannot be right that
0:11:24 > 0:11:30we will both be under exactly the same EU rules and regulations, which
0:11:30 > 0:11:34is what the Prime Minister said in Florence, and that we will be
0:11:34 > 0:11:37leaving the common agricultural policy. But if it is true that we
0:11:37 > 0:11:42are leaving the common agricultural policy, 30,000 Ulster families and
0:11:42 > 0:11:46farmers need to know how they are going to pay their mortgages and
0:11:46 > 0:11:51meet their other commitments in just 15 months. This is a complete
0:11:51 > 0:11:56shambles. The banister will be here in a minute, can he tell her to sort
0:11:56 > 0:12:00this out?Mr Speaker, the only shambles is the approach of the
0:12:00 > 0:12:07opposition to Brexit. I know at this... I know at this time of the
0:12:07 > 0:12:12year that many people will mark the 12 days of Christmas. We have had at
0:12:12 > 0:12:19least 12 different approaches on Brexit from Labour. I say to the
0:12:19 > 0:12:23honourable gentleman, yes, we will be leaving the common agricultural
0:12:23 > 0:12:28policy as the Prime Minister said on Monday but she also underlined our
0:12:28 > 0:12:32commitment in relation to those direct payments. That transition and
0:12:32 > 0:12:38indeed the providing of certainty and for the right honourable
0:12:38 > 0:12:45gentleman, providing scaremongering does nothing to do thisthey are too
0:12:45 > 0:12:48long.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57My own position on this issue is clear, I voted in support of
0:12:57 > 0:13:01same-sex marriage in England and Wales and like mice right honourable
0:13:01 > 0:13:06friend banister, we hope this can be to Northern Ireland in the future.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10Marriage should be a common right across the UK but the fundamental
0:13:10 > 0:13:17position remains, same-sex marriage is at the valve tissue in Northern
0:13:17 > 0:13:29Ireland.If I my husband and I...No reference of the manager will be
0:13:29 > 0:13:32included on any certificate issued and my husband would be recorded as
0:13:32 > 0:13:36a surviving civil partner for ten years of marriage is wiped out by
0:13:36 > 0:13:40the stroke of a pen. Does the Minister agree that if the D U P are
0:13:40 > 0:13:47not interested, this is a good place to start.I do very much sympathise
0:13:47 > 0:13:52with this issue and share the frustration that is encapsulated in
0:13:52 > 0:13:57the letter that I have just had to read out. This is not the time to be
0:13:57 > 0:14:04on picking the demolition settlement on this issue. This is rightly for a
0:14:04 > 0:14:08future executive to look at and the executive can be brought back up to
0:14:08 > 0:14:12do this and many other very important issues.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20I should welcome assurances from the Minister that she and her Secretary
0:14:20 > 0:14:26of State have already met with the leaders of the four main churches to
0:14:26 > 0:14:32discuss the very sensitive issue since -- same-sex marriage in
0:14:32 > 0:14:41Northern Ireland.I can confirm that my right honourable friend and the
0:14:41 > 0:14:44Department have regular contact with church leaders on this at an
0:14:44 > 0:14:49important issue but I do return to the point that this is for the
0:14:49 > 0:14:51devolved administration, a future devolved government to be able to
0:14:51 > 0:14:54look at.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Thank you, Mr Speaker. We speak regularly with counterpart and the
0:15:04 > 0:15:08Irish government on a range of issues, as the Prime Minister has
0:15:08 > 0:15:12said, we will maintain the Common travel area, there will be no hard
0:15:12 > 0:15:15border between Northern Ireland and Ireland and zero new borders within
0:15:15 > 0:15:21the United Kingdom.Mr Speaker, I'm grateful to the Secretary of State
0:15:21 > 0:15:29and the Minister making very clear about no hard borders within Ireland
0:15:29 > 0:15:33and the United Kingdom. Will she make it very clear that a hard
0:15:33 > 0:15:36Brexit for the United Kingdom would be incompatible with the statement
0:15:36 > 0:15:44she has just made. It's important we have that clarity.Mr Speaker, I
0:15:44 > 0:15:48think my right honourable friend, the Prime Minister, has given that
0:15:48 > 0:15:52clarity and she was at the dispatch box and low this week and we don't
0:15:52 > 0:15:56need to talk about hard or soft Brexit, we are out to get the best
0:15:56 > 0:16:03possible deal for all parts of the United Kingdom.Is it not the case
0:16:03 > 0:16:08they already are different tariffs, for example, on petrol and diesel
0:16:08 > 0:16:13and yet there is an open border. Surely the best way to ensure that
0:16:13 > 0:16:17there is an open border this to make sure that we have a comprehensive
0:16:17 > 0:16:23free trade agreement with the rest of the European Union.I think my
0:16:23 > 0:16:27right honourable friend is I think my right honourable friend is I
0:16:27 > 0:16:33think my right honourable friend is I think my right honourable friend
0:16:33 > 0:16:38is correct on two counts. There is already cooperation he mentions the
0:16:38 > 0:16:45way that we have to deal with fuel but he's also absolutely correct. A
0:16:45 > 0:16:49free trade agreement is what we want, a comprehensive deal which is
0:16:49 > 0:16:52what is laid out in the agreement the Prime Minister has brought back
0:16:52 > 0:17:01from Brussels and which is what the work ahead is.Minister, in light of
0:17:01 > 0:17:10recent comments by the Irish Prime Minister and the Secretary of State
0:17:10 > 0:17:17and Deputy Prime Minister, they have indicated that they will draw border
0:17:17 > 0:17:23down the middle of the Irish Sea. Can I ask that those sorts of
0:17:23 > 0:17:27comments do not give much confidence back to the people of Northern
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Ireland and the Unionist community that I represent, who want to be an
0:17:30 > 0:17:39integral part of the United Kingdom. I can reassure the honourable
0:17:39 > 0:17:43gentleman that we in this house want to see no new borders inside the
0:17:43 > 0:17:47United Kingdom, we think that the union is a precious thing that must
0:17:47 > 0:17:52be preserved. I will also just notice, the honourable gentleman
0:17:52 > 0:17:55from Rochdale, the relationship we have with the Irish government and
0:17:55 > 0:17:58want to continue to have with the Irish government should be one of
0:17:58 > 0:18:02close partners, we should work together to ensure the prosperity of
0:18:02 > 0:18:05the people in Northern Ireland and I shall leave it to the Irish
0:18:05 > 0:18:09government to continue to hold that strong relationship with us.I will
0:18:09 > 0:18:12call the honourable gentleman on the understanding that his question
0:18:12 > 0:18:17consists of a single short sentence. Given that the vast majority of
0:18:17 > 0:18:21trade goes from the Republic to the north in terms of coming to the UK,
0:18:21 > 0:18:26can my honourable friend confirm that we will have no need for a hard
0:18:26 > 0:18:30border and the only prospect of a hard border is if the EU sets one up
0:18:30 > 0:18:39in southern Ireland.To keep the answer short, this should be shared
0:18:39 > 0:18:43endeavour to ensure a future trade deal which has benefits for the
0:18:43 > 0:18:50people of the entirety of the United Kingdom, that's what we want see. As
0:18:50 > 0:18:53the Prime Minister made clear, we are seeking a bold and ambitious
0:18:53 > 0:18:58free trade agreement that is of greater scope and ambition than any
0:18:58 > 0:19:00existing agreement. We're determined to reach a deal that works for the
0:19:00 > 0:19:08people of Northern Ireland and the UK as a whole.At the first select
0:19:08 > 0:19:11committee this morning, the Environment Secretary made clear
0:19:11 > 0:19:17that the class, plus,, Canada and bringing art to include agriculture
0:19:17 > 0:19:21which is important in Northern Ireland, what steps is the Secretary
0:19:21 > 0:19:25of State for Northern Ireland doing to make sure it is not included in
0:19:25 > 0:19:28any future deal.I agree with what the honourable Eddie has said.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33Agriculture is a key part of the economy within Northern Ireland and
0:19:33 > 0:19:38something we highlighted very firmly in August paper and want to take
0:19:38 > 0:19:44forward in the negotiations.In assessing the evidence around the
0:19:44 > 0:19:48potential trade deal of this nature, did he conclude that we have
0:19:48 > 0:19:52successfully offered the Common travel area for decades between
0:19:52 > 0:19:56ourselves and Ireland and can do a similar deal and any hard border in
0:19:56 > 0:20:02Ireland it is between Dublin and Brussels are not London and Belfast.
0:20:02 > 0:20:07We are pleased the joint principles on the continuation of the Common
0:20:07 > 0:20:11travel area after the UK leaves were highlighted in the report very
0:20:11 > 0:20:13firmly, and there is that joint endeavour and that's what we would
0:20:13 > 0:20:20be pursuing. Considering companies that benefit from the Canadian- EU
0:20:20 > 0:20:24trade deal, in my constituency, it benefits greatly from that
0:20:24 > 0:20:27relationship. Will the Secretary of State not only continue in his
0:20:27 > 0:20:31current support for bombarded, make sure that any future trade
0:20:31 > 0:20:35agreements do nothing that will interfere in such an important part
0:20:35 > 0:20:40of our local economy.I agree with the honourable gentleman in regard
0:20:40 > 0:20:47to bombard ear and thank the work he has done in this important issue and
0:20:47 > 0:20:52the attention of others will make sure we have the protection of the
0:20:52 > 0:20:58Northern Ireland economy and jobs. This government is committed to
0:20:58 > 0:21:01building an economy fit for the future right across the United
0:21:01 > 0:21:05Kingdom. That is clear from our industrial strategy and further
0:21:05 > 0:21:09benefits for Northern Ireland in the Chancellor's budget. Ultimately the
0:21:09 > 0:21:12key requirement for stronger growth is political stability and their
0:21:12 > 0:21:15return to the team that we should see devolution restored.
0:21:17 > 0:21:23With the Minister join with me in welcoming the Labour figure showing
0:21:23 > 0:21:313.9 down from some over 7% in 2010 and would she agree with me with
0:21:31 > 0:21:35this study yesterday, it exemplifies the fact we're ready for growth and
0:21:35 > 0:21:39providing jobs in this country and it's a testament to Northern Ireland
0:21:39 > 0:21:46business is growing a strong economy.I do join my honourable
0:21:46 > 0:21:51friend in remarking that. The very important figures we have seen with
0:21:51 > 0:21:56the unemployment rate in Northern Ireland. It is down to 3.9% for over
0:21:56 > 0:22:067% in early 2010. Lower in the UK as a whole. It is also down to a
0:22:06 > 0:22:10government that takes a balanced approach to public spending unlike
0:22:10 > 0:22:17the Labour Party and we wish to see more of that.Strong economy require
0:22:17 > 0:22:32stable politics. Pretty's all this running newspaper which they could
0:22:32 > 0:22:35categorically that the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland
0:22:35 > 0:22:40needs to be slapped down by Her Majesty's government for the
0:22:40 > 0:22:43comments it is making that is destabilising the economy of
0:22:43 > 0:22:50Northern Ireland.I think the simplest thing to say here is that
0:22:50 > 0:22:56we stand behind, fully behind, the Belfast agreement and we do have a
0:22:56 > 0:23:00strong relationship with the Irish government which we wish to see
0:23:00 > 0:23:03continued but my honourable friend across the House is correct,
0:23:03 > 0:23:09political stability is required for a strong economy. We as a government
0:23:09 > 0:23:14are committed to building an economy that works for everyone and we would
0:23:14 > 0:23:16like to see a devolved administration in Northern Ireland
0:23:16 > 0:23:26able to do the same.That's all very well but the Secretary of State
0:23:26 > 0:23:29earlier referred to the statement made yesterday by the Northern
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Ireland civil service, which is casting a dark pall over Northern
0:23:32 > 0:23:36Ireland. Will he take this opportunity to say that when they
0:23:36 > 0:23:40suggest ways of balancing the books by February, the government will
0:23:40 > 0:23:46rule out grabbing the free bus pass, scrapping reintroducing prescription
0:23:46 > 0:23:58charges?There are indeed important challenges to be faced to secure
0:23:58 > 0:24:03sustainable finances in Northern Ireland for the long-term. Technical
0:24:03 > 0:24:07challenges requires political decisions and that's why we should
0:24:07 > 0:24:17wish to see a restored administration in Stormont.I will
0:24:17 > 0:24:22take question seven and nine to go there.Customs as a matter for phase
0:24:22 > 0:24:30two of the withdrawal negotiations, the government is committed to make
0:24:30 > 0:24:38sure there is no border.When even the government accepts the proposals
0:24:38 > 0:24:42for our border are untested and go beyond existing precedents, you can
0:24:42 > 0:24:47see why business is read into that undeliverable and single market
0:24:47 > 0:24:51Customs and membership is involved. Given the Minister says such
0:24:51 > 0:24:57membership is not necessary, what progress has been made in terms of
0:24:57 > 0:25:01designing the terms of the solutions?A lot of progress has
0:25:01 > 0:25:04been made, setting that framework that will take us into phase two
0:25:04 > 0:25:07with customs and other arrangements to make sure we do not have any
0:25:07 > 0:25:09physical infrastructure on the border and seedy open trading
0:25:09 > 0:25:19relationship. Grouped with this question, Peter Grant.The select
0:25:19 > 0:25:23committee visited Northern Ireland a few weeks ago and we spoke to
0:25:23 > 0:25:27somebody who was anxious that any state is a toll on the Irish border
0:25:27 > 0:25:33would be seen as big step. Would the Secretary of State agree that the
0:25:33 > 0:25:37reddest of the red lines in the negotiations must be the maintenance
0:25:37 > 0:25:43of the Good Friday Agreement.I do agree on terms of the maintenance of
0:25:43 > 0:25:46the Good Friday Agreement, the Belfast agreement, not seeing any
0:25:46 > 0:25:50hard border re-emerging and that is what has been reflected into the
0:25:50 > 0:25:54joint report.We should hear from the former chair of the select
0:25:54 > 0:25:59committee, the final enquiry on this section today. Mr Laurence
0:25:59 > 0:26:05Robertson.Question number ten.I have no current plans to propose any
0:26:05 > 0:26:08changes to the devolution settlement, this would be a matter
0:26:08 > 0:26:11for discussion between the main Northern Ireland parties and the UK
0:26:11 > 0:26:15Government in accordance with the Belfast agreement.Thank you for
0:26:15 > 0:26:19that answer but given that the feeling of the executive and the SME
0:26:19 > 0:26:23to exist at the moment is detrimental to Northern Ireland and
0:26:23 > 0:26:28given that it is only one party in Northern Ireland which is refusing
0:26:28 > 0:26:32to make it function or to allow it to function, isn't it time to look
0:26:32 > 0:26:36at the Belfast agreement and see if we can evolve it so that in future
0:26:36 > 0:26:40the assembly and the executive will continue to serve the people of
0:26:40 > 0:26:46Northern Ireland.The former chair of the select committee was not hurt
0:26:46 > 0:26:50and hushed in reverential tones but we might have to wait until 2018 for
0:26:50 > 0:26:53that.I agree with what my right honourable friend has said in terms
0:26:53 > 0:26:57of the need to seek devolved government restored. That is where
0:26:57 > 0:27:01the focus needs to remain an high as a government we will be doing all
0:27:01 > 0:27:03that we can and re-injecting