Government’s Legislative Programme 2023-24: Northern Ireland

Wednesday 8th November 2023 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Chris Heaton-Harris)]

The legislative programme for the fourth Session was outlined at the state opening of Parliament on Tuesday 7 November 2023. This statement provides a summary of the programme and its application to Northern Ireland. It does not include draft Bills, Law Commission Bills or Finance Bills.

The UK Government have held significant events this year to celebrate Northern Ireland’s success and progress. We have marked the historic 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday agreement, which continues to be the bedrock for progress in Northern Ireland, as well as securing and protecting Northern Ireland’s integral place in the United Kingdom.

Furthermore, in partnership with Invest NI, the UK Government showcased Northern Ireland’s innovation and technological strengths to around 200 global investors at the Northern Ireland investment summit in Belfast in September 2023. This was the largest ever gathering of its kind, reminding us just how much Northern Ireland has to offer and how much it benefits from its central place in the United Kingdom.

The UK Government are determined to build on Northern Ireland’s progress over the last 25 years by investing in its future. As a result of the 2021 spending review, the Northern Ireland Executive will receive a record block grant of, on average, £15 billion per year in each year of this spending review period. We are committed to ensuring Northern Ireland’s future is not only peaceful, but stronger and more prosperous for all its citizens.

Additionally, the UK Government will invest more than £730 million into the new €1.1 billion PEACE PLUS programme to support economic stability, peace and reconciliation. This is a concrete example of our commitment to helping Northern Ireland reach its full potential as a prosperous and stable part of the United Kingdom, as well as a huge investment towards peace and prosperity in the Belfast/Good Friday agreement’s 25th anniversary year.

In the third Session, legislation was passed to address the legacy of Northern Ireland’s past by providing better outcomes for victims, survivors and their families; to deliver a carefully balanced package of identity and language measures, negotiated as part of New Decade, New Approach deal; and to maintain the delivery of public services and protect public finances in the absence of the Northern Ireland Executive. Legislation also allowed an opt-out organ donation system to be implemented in Northern Ireland.

In the fourth Session, the following Bills will extend and apply to Northern Ireland, either in full or in part:

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership Bill

Criminal Justice Bill

Data Protection and Digital Information Bill

Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill

Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill

Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill

Media Bill

Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill

Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill

In the absence of a functioning Executive and Northern Ireland Assembly, it is not currently possible to seek and obtain their legislative consent. The people of Northern Ireland deserve a functioning Assembly and Executive, where locally elected representatives can address issues that matter most to those who elect them. The UK Government’s focus remains on restoring fully functioning power-sharing institutions as soon as possible.

[HCWS7]