Northern Ireland Office

We ensure the smooth working of the devolution settlement in Northern Ireland.



Secretary of State

 Portrait

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Baroness Suttie (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Northern Ireland)

Conservative
Alex Burghart (Con - Brentwood and Ongar)
Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Liberal Democrat
Al Pinkerton (LD - Surrey Heath)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Northern Ireland)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Lord Caine (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Northern Ireland)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Fleur Anderson (Lab - Putney)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Tuesday 21st January 2025
Select Committee Docs
Wednesday 29th January 2025
14:03
Select Committee Inquiry
Tuesday 17th December 2024
The Government's new approach to addressing the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee is launching an inquiry into Government policy on the legacy of the past in Northern …

Written Answers
Wednesday 29th January 2025
Northern Ireland Office: Unfair Dismissal
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether his Department offers protection to staff from unfair dismissal from …
Bills
Wednesday 24th January 2024
Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Act 2024
A Bill to make provision to extend the period following the Northern Ireland Assembly election of 5 May 2022 during …
Dept. Publications
Friday 24th January 2025
15:57

Transparency

Northern Ireland Office Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Jan. 15
Oral Questions
Oct. 09
Urgent Questions
Jan. 21
Written Statements
View All Northern Ireland Office Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

Northern Ireland Office does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament

Northern Ireland Office has not passed any Acts during the 2024 Parliament

Northern Ireland Office - Secondary Legislation

These Regulations amend the Representation of the People (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1741) (“the 2008 Regulations”) and the Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2) (“the 1983 Act”).
View All Northern Ireland Office Secondary Legislation

Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Trending Petitions
Petitions with most signatures
Northern Ireland Office has not participated in any petition debates
View All Northern Ireland Office Petitions

Departmental Select Committee

Northern Ireland Affairs Committee

Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.

At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.

Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.


13 Members of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Tonia Antoniazzi Portrait
Tonia Antoniazzi (Labour - Gower)
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Member since 9th September 2024
Alicia Kearns Portrait
Alicia Kearns (Conservative - Rutland and Stamford)
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
David Smith Portrait
David Smith (Labour - North Northumberland)
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Al Pinkerton Portrait
Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Katrina Murray Portrait
Katrina Murray (Labour - Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch)
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Adam Jogee Portrait
Adam Jogee (Labour - Newcastle-under-Lyme)
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Leigh Ingham Portrait
Leigh Ingham (Labour - Stafford)
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Claire Hanna Portrait
Claire Hanna (Social Democratic & Labour Party - Belfast South and Mid Down)
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Sorcha Eastwood Portrait
Sorcha Eastwood (Alliance - Lagan Valley)
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Chris Bloore Portrait
Chris Bloore (Labour - Redditch)
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Dan Aldridge Portrait
Dan Aldridge (Labour - Weston-super-Mare)
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Gavin Robinson Portrait
Gavin Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party - Belfast East)
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Member since 4th November 2024
Simon Hoare Portrait
Simon Hoare (Conservative - North Dorset)
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee: Upcoming Events
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee - Oral evidence
The surveillance of journalists and press freedoms in NI
5 Feb 2025, 9 a.m.
At 9:30am: Oral evidence
Trevor Birney
At 10:30am: Oral evidence
Malachi O'Doherty
Paul Tweed

View calendar - Save to Calendar
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee - Oral evidence
The surveillance of journalists and press freedoms in NI
5 Feb 2025, 9 a.m.
View calendar - Save to Calendar
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee - Oral evidence
The surveillance of journalists and press freedoms in NI
5 Feb 2025, 9 a.m.
At 9:30am: Oral evidence
Barry McCaffrey, Journalist
Trevor Birney, Producer and Journalist
Séamus Dooley, National Union of Journalists
At 10:30am: Oral evidence
Malachi O'Doherty, Journalist and author
Paul Tweed, Senior Partner, WP Tweed & Co

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Northern Ireland Affairs Committee - Oral evidence
The surveillance of journalists and press freedoms in NI
5 Feb 2025, 9 a.m.
At 9:30am: Oral evidence
Barry McCaffrey, Journalist
Trevor Birney, Producer and Journalist
Séamus Séamus Dooley, Assistant General Secretary, National Union of Journalists
At 10:30am: Oral evidence
Malachi O'Doherty, Journalist and author
Paul Tweed, Senior Partner, WP Tweed & Co

View calendar - Save to Calendar
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee - Oral evidence
The surveillance of journalists and press freedoms in NI
5 Feb 2025, 9 a.m.
At 9:30am: Oral evidence
Barry McCaffrey, Journalist
Trevor Birney, Producer and Journalist
Séamus Dooley, Assistant General Secretary, National Union of Journalists
At 10:30am: Oral evidence
Malachi O'Doherty, Journalist and author
Paul Tweed, Senior Partner, WP Tweed & Co

View calendar - Save to Calendar
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee: Previous Inquiries
Unfettered Access: Northern Ireland and customs arrangements after Brexit Brexit and Northern Ireland inquiry Fisheries inquiry Electricity sector in Northern Ireland: follow-up Agriculture inquiry The land border between Northern Ireland and Ireland: Follow-up inquiry Education funding in Northern Ireland inquiry Funding priorities in the 2018-19 Budget: Health Consultation on Stormont House Agreement inquiry Existing passport processes inquiry Changes to NI Renewable Heat Incentive payments inquiry Tourism in Northern Ireland inquiry Implications of the EU withdrawal agreement and the backstop for Northern Ireland inquiry Support for UK Victims of IRA attacks that used Gaddafi supplied Semtex and weapons: Follow-up inquiry Historical Institutional Abuse inquiry Welfare policy in Northern Ireland inquiry Organised crime gangs in Northern Ireland inquiry Devolution and democracy in Northern Ireland – dealing with the deficit Bombardier inquiry Work of the Secretary of State inquiry Update from the Police Service of Northern Ireland inquiry The land border between Northern Ireland and Ireland Northern Ireland and the EU Referendum inquiry Implementation of English votes for English laws inquiry Electricity sector in Northern Ireland inquiry Work of the Commissioner for Victims and Survivors inquiry The work of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland evidence session Future of the land border with the Republic of Ireland inquiry The work of the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland inquiry An air transport strategy for Northern Ireland Air passenger duty: implications for Northern Ireland Corporation Tax in Northern Ireland Fuel laundering and smuggling Draft Northern Ireland Bill The banking structure in Northern Ireland Outcome of the Spending Review and the Talks Promoting the tourism industry in Northern Ireland through the tax system inquiry Responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland HM Government support for UK victims of IRA attacks that used Gaddafi-supplied Semtex and weapons inquiry Administrative scheme for "on-the-runs" Cross-border co-operation on policing, security and criminal justice after Brexit The effectiveness of the institutions of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement The funding and delivery of public services in Northern Ireland Integrated Education Renewable Energy and Net Zero in Northern Ireland Defence Spending in Northern Ireland Funding and delivery of public services: follow up Impact of the Autumn Budget on the farming sector in Northern Ireland The operation of the Windsor Framework The Government's new approach to addressing the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland Agriculture Brexit and Northern Ireland Implications of the EU withdrawal agreement and the backstop for Northern Ireland Changes to NI Renewable Heat Incentive payments Consultation on Stormont House Agreement Education funding in Northern Ireland Existing passport processes Funding priorities in the 2018-19 Budget: Health Historical Institutional Abuse Support for UK Victims of IRA attacks that used Gaddafi supplied Semtex and weapons: Follow-up Organised crime gangs in Northern Ireland Tourism in Northern Ireland Update from the Police Service of Northern Ireland Work of the Secretary of State

50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether his Department offers paternity leave to its staff from their first working day.

The Northern Ireland Office offers paternity leave to its staff from their first working day if the employee has worked continuously for the Civil Service for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before their baby is due.

To be eligible for occupational paternity pay, staff must be in paid service at the time the paternity leave starts and have completed at least one year’s paid service in the Civil Service at the expected week of childbirth (EWC).

As with any changes to employment legislation, internal policies and processes will be updated as appropriate in preparation for when the Employment Rights Bill 2024 comes into effect.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether their Department offers its staff shared parental leave from their first working day.

No. The Civil Service Management Code states that, ‘Departments and agencies may only grant shared parental leave in accordance with the statutory requirements governing eligibility for this category of leave.’ However, some staff could qualify for statutory shared parental leave on their first day of service with a particular department because they already have service with another department.

As with any changes to employment legislation, internal policies and processes will be updated as appropriate in preparation for when the Employment Rights Bill 2024 comes into effect.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether his Department offers protection to staff from unfair dismissal from their first working day.

All dismissals are handled in line with current legislation and appropriate Codes of Practice. Where an employee feels they may have been unfairly dismissed, appropriate internal appeal routes may be instigated.

Where an employee is unable to solve a problem internally they may be able to go to an employment tribunal to claim unfair dismissal, as set out in legislation.

This position will be reviewed when unfair dismissal rights are updated in line with proposals in the Employment Rights Bill.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
17th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, for what purposes (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have used AI in the last 12 months.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the heart of the Government’s plan to kickstart an era of economic growth, transform how we deliver public services, and boost living standards for working people across the Country.

Northern Ireland Office Ministers do not use AI. A small number of officials in the department have carried out a time-limited test of the use of AI for taking meeting notes and summarising information. AI is not available to Northern Ireland Office officials at present and is the subject of ongoing discussions.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he has had with the First and deputy First Minister on the continuing vacancy in the office of the Commissioner of Public Appointments for Northern Ireland.

The appointment of a new Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland is a matter for the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
16th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland; and what steps he plans to take to help ensure (a) its decisions are transparent and (b) it is held accountable for its decisions.

Decisions regarding parades in Northern Ireland are an operational matter for the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland in line with the legislation contained within the Public Processions (NI) Act 1998. Details of any determinations made by the Commission are published on their website as a matter of course. The Parades Commission continues to have the full support of the Government.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Safeguarding the Union command paper, published on 31 January 2024.

The Government is committed to implementing the Windsor Framework and to taking all steps necessary to protect Northern Ireland’s place in the UK internal market. Commitments made in the Safeguarding the Union command paper support this objective, and the Government continues to make progress in delivering them.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
16th Jan 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made in facilitating collaboration between the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Civil Service to support the transformation programme in Northern Ireland and improve the delivery of public services; and which government department is responsible for this work.

This Government is committed to resetting relationships with the devolved Governments.

While public services are the responsibility of the Executive, we want to be a supportive partner. In the Northern Ireland Office, we are working to promote greater collaborative working between the UK Government and the Executive so that we can deliver improvements for the people of Northern Ireland.

Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
16th Jan 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government when they intend to publish the “series of papers that make the case, through sectoral analysis, for Northern Ireland’s place in the Union and ways in which to take it forward”, described in Annex B of Command Paper 1021, Safeguarding the Union, published on 31 January 2024.

This Government is committed to implementing the Windsor Framework in good faith and to protecting Northern Ireland’s place in the UK internal market. We are currently considering the best way to take forward the approach referred to in Annex B of the Safeguarding the Union command paper.

Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
15th Jan 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to prevent political parties registered in Northern Ireland from receiving donations from people and organisations based in the Republic of Ireland.

The statutory framework for donations to UK political parties explicitly provides for Northern Ireland parties to receive donations from eligible people and organisations based in Ireland. These provisions are consistent with the principles set out in the Good Friday Agreement, particularly those relating to equality and respect for the different political traditions on the island of Ireland.

The Government has no plans to change these rules.

Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
16th Jan 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made in developing a twinning programme for primary schools in Northern Ireland, as proposed in Annex B of Command Paper 1021, Safeguarding the Union, published on 31 January 2024.

The Secretary of State for Education reaffirmed the Government's commitment to the development of a twinning programme, as set out in the command paper, at the last UK Education Ministers' Council hosted in Lisburn, Northern Ireland on 20 November 2024. Work is ongoing to develop and deliver the programme.

Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
14th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

In line with the requirements under Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Northern Ireland Office routinely publishes information on internal reviews in respect of any new, proposed or revised policies, and public consultations on GOV.UK.

Between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025, the Northern Ireland Office launched one public consultation on the use of Non-Jury Trials in Northern Ireland, which is currently ongoing, and completed an internal screening assessment of Non-Jury Trial Provisions under the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007.

In addition, the Department also published the findings of a Review of the Operation of the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme on 29 August 2024.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
16th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the introduction of EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Regulation (EU) 2023/956 on Northern Ireland in the context of the terms of the Windsor Framework.

The Government plans to apply the UK CBAM across the whole UK, including Northern Ireland, from 2027. The UK will continue to work with international partners, including the EU, to ensure our approach is implemented in a way that works for businesses.

The EU's CBAM could only apply in Northern Ireland with the agreement of the UK and in line with the democratic safeguards of the Windsor Framework.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
10th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that people in Northern Ireland who (a) have their vehicles damaged by stolen cars where the driver is not apprehended and (b) do not have comprehensive insurance are aware of their eligibility to claim compensation through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB); when the MIB took responsibility for compensating victims in these cases; and what steps he has taken to inform the public of this change.

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) is an independent organisation within the motor industry and separate from the UK Government. The Northern Ireland Office has no role in decisions relating to the investigation and payment of claims, which are the responsibility of the MIB.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
14th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking with (a) the Northern Ireland Executive and (b) Invest NI to help promote Northern Ireland as an inward investment opportunity during the forthcoming Open Golf Championship at Royal Portrush.

Royal Portrush will stage the 153rd Open Golf Championship in 2025, providing another outstanding showcase for golf in Northern Ireland. The 148th Open, held at Royal Portrush nine years ago, became the biggest sporting event ever held in Northern Ireland, delivering a combined economic and media benefit of more than £100 million to the region.

I have asked my officials to contact Invest NI to discuss this. I would also encourage the Honourable Member to share any suggestions he has to enhance any existing investment promotion with the Department for Business and Trade.

The Growth mission is the number one priority of the Government. That is why we are working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive to create a thriving, competitive and regionally balanced economy in Northern Ireland through increased investment, job creation, and higher living standards.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
9th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what industrial disputes are ongoing within (a) their Department and (b) each of the arm’s length bodies connected to their Department; how many (i) staff and (ii) contractors are involved in each dispute; what the form of industrial action is in each dispute; which recognised trade union is involved in each dispute; what the substantive matter is that is being disputed in each case; and what steps he plans to take to end each dispute.

There are no ongoing industrial disputes within the Department or our arm's length bodies connected to the Department.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
13th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether the Independent Review of the Windsor Framework will consider the (a) operation and (b) output of the Northern Ireland Assembly Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee.

It will be a matter for Lord Murphy to consider the programme of work of the Review. In line with the Terms of Reference, the Review will be obliged to consult with a range of stakeholders, including Northern Ireland political parties, and can engage with the Assembly and its committee functions as it considers appropriate.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
6th Jan 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government how they have discharged their legal duty in section 46(1) of the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 in respect of the implementation of the European Union's new General Product Safety Regulation.

This Government is absolutely committed to ensuring the smooth flow of goods across the UK Internal market. The General Product Safety Regulations largely formalise the reality of how businesses are already operating in the UK so the government expects consumers in Northern Ireland generally to be able to access goods as before.


On 3 December, the Department for Business and Trade’s Office for Product Safety and Standards published guidance for businesses on the application of the Regulation in Northern Ireland, which makes clear that authorities will continue to take a proportionate, risk-based, and intelligence-led approach to regulating the NI market, prioritising unsafe products.


DBT will continue to engage businesses directly to ensure they are familiar with the guidance and that the Government is supporting them to trade freely across the whole of the UK.

Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
10th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on the cost of developing Casement Park.

Regrettably, given the amount of time wasted by the previous Government, Casement Park could not be built in time for the Euros. The risks of not completing it on time were unacceptably high. While the redevelopment of Casement Park is a devolved policy matter, we are continuing to engage with all partners involved in the project, including the Northern Ireland Executive and the GAA, and assessing the options available.



Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
7th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure small businesses can post parcels from Great Britain to Northern Ireland without completing customs declarations.

The Windsor Framework removes the need for customs declarations for the overwhelming majority of parcels sent by businesses in Great Britain to consumers in Northern Ireland and instead, parcel carriers will continue to collect standard commercial data required.

There are, of course, no customs declarations requirements for parcels sent between private individuals within the UK.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
8th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he plans to decolonise the (a) artwork and (b) heritage assets in (i) her Department and (ii) each of its arm's length bodies.

There has been no change in the Northern Ireland Office’s management of artwork or heritage assets since the previous administration.

As separate entities, the responsibility for creating policy and guidance for artwork sits with each individual Arm’s Length Body, rather than with the Department.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
3rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on Non-Jury Trials Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007, published on 9 December 2024.

The consultation on the non-jury trial provisions under the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007 was drafted to ensure that as many people as possible are given the opportunity to share their views on the non-jury trial provisions. As well as publishing on GOV.UK, links to the consultation were sent directly to a selection of relevant stakeholders, including those from the legal profession, law enforcement and academia in order to encourage responses. A link to the consultation was also shared on the Northern Ireland Office’s X account.

The consultation provides two methods of response; a direct email address and a postal address.

The Northern Ireland Office will provide the consultation document in alternative accessible formats on request. The GOV.UK page provides an email address that members of the public can use to request an alternative format and encourages respondents to specify what format they require and, if relevant, what assistive technology they use.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
3rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he has had with the Chemical Industries Association about the (a) access to and (b) regulation of safe and approved chemicals in Northern Ireland.

The Department for Work and Pensions is the policy lead with regard to chemical regulation across the UK, as sponsor of the Health and Safety Executive.

In that role, the Department for Work and Pensions continuously assesses the adequacy of chemical regulation across the whole of the UK.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
3rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of chemical regulation in Northern Ireland.

The Department for Work and Pensions is the policy lead with regard to chemical regulation across the UK, as sponsor of the Health and Safety Executive.

In that role, the Department for Work and Pensions continuously assesses the adequacy of chemical regulation across the whole of the UK.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
7th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether the conditions for notification to the EU that the Stormont Brake has been triggered have been met on Regulation (EU) 2024/2865 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2024 amending Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures.

The Government is under statutory obligations to assess any Stormont Brake notification against the tests set out by law. I will make a decision in due course.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
8th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that the work of Intertrade UK is not affected by trade barriers faced by some GB-based businesses supplying to Northern Ireland-based consumers.

A key focus for Intertrade UK will be to promote the full extent of the UK’s market to businesses and traders and to help to counter any misconceptions businesses and traders in Great Britain may have about providing goods and services in Northern Ireland.

I expect to be in a position to announce the full membership of Intertrade UK and the date of the first meeting shortly.


Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
3rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Airbus not completing the takeover of the Spirit AeroSystems site in Belfast on jobs (a) at Airbus and (b) throughout the supply chain in (i) Northern Ireland and (ii) Britain.

My Department and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is fully aware of the commercial discussions taking place about the potential acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems business. The Government is working with the Northern Ireland Executive to help ensure the best outcome for Spirit and all its skilled and hard working staff.

DBT continues to be in contact with Spirit, Airbus, Boeing and other potential buyers. We want to see an outcome for Spirit that includes a commitment to develop Spirit and its supply chain as part of any acquisition and provides the best possible opportunity for growth and jobs in Northern Ireland.

The UK Government is aware Spirit employs nearly five thousand staff at its sites in Northern Ireland and Scotland supplying world-class aerospace products across the globe. It is for this reason, and its contribution to the UK’s economy, that UKG has a keen interest in seeing that any acquisition provides the best opportunity for growth and investment.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
3rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the break up of Spirit on the Northern Ireland economy.

The Government is working with the Northern Ireland Executive to help ensure the best outcome for Spirit Aerospace and all its skilled and hardworking staff.

The Northern Ireland Office and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) are fully aware of the commercial discussions taking place about the potential acquisition of the Spirit business. DBT continues to be in contact with Spirit, Airbus, Boeing and other potential buyers and we want to see an outcome that includes a commitment to develop and grow the aerospace industry in Northern Ireland both directly and through the supply chain.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
3rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to support Spirit AeroSystems (a) production and (b) jobs.

The Government is working with the Northern Ireland Executive to help ensure the best outcome for Spirit Aerosystems and all its skilled and hardworking staff.

The Northern Ireland Office and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) are fully aware of the commercial discussions taking place about the potential acquisition of the Spirit business. DBT continues to be in contact with Spirit, Airbus, Boeing and other potential buyers, and we want to see an outcome that includes a commitment to develop Spirit and its supply chain as part of any acquisition and provides the best possible opportunity for growth in Northern Ireland.

DBT continues to provide support for Spirit’s Research and Development activity through the Aerospace Technology Institute programme.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
8th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent steps he has taken to support the expansion of university provision in Derry/Londonderry under the terms of the New Decade, New Approach agreement.

As part of our mission-led approach, this Government is committed to working with the Northern Ireland Executive to address regional economic imbalances, including through good university provision in the North West.

The Derry & Strabane City and Region Deal was signed on 18 September 2024. This deal will help support university expansion in Derry/Londonderry through a £39 million investment into Ulster University’s Cognitive Analytics & Digital Robotics Innovation Centre. This is in addition to investment towards Phase 2 of the School of Medicine project, including a Medical Education Facility on the Altnagelvin Hospital site.

This Government will continue to work with the Executive to deliver high-quality university education in Derry/Londonderry, and deliver the City Deal programme to provide capital investment that supports expanded provision at Ulster University’s Magee Campus as set out in NDNA.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
7th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on ensuring the continuity of full employment at the Spirit AeroSystems site in Northern Ireland.

The Government is working with the Northern Ireland Executive to help ensure the best outcome for Spirit Aerospace and all its skilled and hardworking staff.

The Northern Ireland Office and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) are fully aware of the commercial discussions taking place about the potential acquisition of the Spirit business. DBT continues to be in contact with Spirit, Airbus, Boeing and other potential buyers, and we want to see an outcome that includes a commitment to develop Spirit and its supply chain as part of any acquisition and provides the best possible opportunity for growth in Northern Ireland.

DBT continues to provide over £13 million of support for Spirit’ Research and Development activity through the Aerospace Technology Institute programme.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
3rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many departmental bids have been (a) received and (b) approved by the Northern Ireland Public Sector Transformation Board.

Following the establishment of an Interim Public Sector Transformation Board in May 2024, the interim Board ran a process to consider the 47 proposals which were received from Northern Ireland Departments.

The Interim Board has recommended several proposals to the Northern Ireland Minister of Finance which it considers have the greatest potential to deliver real transformation and service improvement across a number of Executive priority areas in the draft Programme for Government.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
3rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he has had recent discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on the adequacy of road safety measures in Northern Ireland.

The Government regularly engages with the Northern Ireland Executive on the importance of infrastructure investment in Northern Ireland, including the road and transport network. Responsibility for road safety measures is devolved to Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure and I welcome the Minister for Infrastructure’s recent announcement that the upgrade of the A5, a vital artery of Northern Ireland’s road network where many lives have been lost over the years, will commence this year.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
18th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many and what proportion of officials in his Department were hired via positive action schemes in the last financial year.

The Northern Ireland Office works within the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, as regulated by the Civil Service Commission, to recruit using a fair and open process and appoint on merit.

The Department will only limit a campaign to a specific group as a form of positive action as a proportionate response to achieve a legitimate aim as defined in section 159 of the Equality Act 2010.

The Northern Ireland Office has not used any positive action schemes, as defined by the Equality Act, to support the hiring of those with protected characteristics in the last financial year.

The Civil Service is committed to a diverse workforce and culture of openness and inclusivity - not as ends in themselves but as means of delivering better outcomes to the citizens we serve.

The Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2022-25 Promoting Fairness and Performance, published in February 2022, is positioned as an essential lever to deliver a Modern Civil Service, where our values are to serve with integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality; driving our vision to be a skilled, innovative and ambitious Civil Service equipped for the future. This strategy sets out a broader definition of diversity, to include geographical, social and career backgrounds alongside the protected groups.

As set out in the Civil Service People Plan 2024 - 2027, we are committed to ensuring we attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds, to create a modern Civil Service, now and for the future.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
3rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he has had recent discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on the health service in Northern Ireland.

Improving health outcomes across the UK is a priority mission for this Government. Although health is devolved in Northern Ireland, the Government wants to work with the Northern Ireland Executive to transform its public services and improve outcomes for people in Northern Ireland.

Government Ministers regularly engage with Executive Ministers, including the Northern Ireland Health Minister, to discuss plans to improve public services in Northern Ireland.

Fleur Anderson
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office)
3rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he has had recent discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on the number of people on hospital waiting lists in Northern Ireland.

Improving health outcomes across the UK is a priority mission for this Government. Although health is devolved in Northern Ireland, the Government wants to work with the Northern Ireland Executive to transform its public services and improve outcomes for people in Northern Ireland.

The Government regularly engages with Executive Ministers, including the Northern Ireland Health Minister, to discuss plans to improve public services. I have engaged extensively with stakeholders across the Northern Ireland health service to discuss how the Government can work with the Executive to tackle its shared health challenges, including waiting lists.

Fleur Anderson
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office)
6th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when he plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar dated 5 December 2024.

I replied to the Honourable Members letter on the 23rd December by email.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
19th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to support small businesses in Great Britain with the new General Product Safety Regulation requirements to maintain market access to Northern Ireland.

The updated GPSR largely formalises how businesses are already operating in the UK. Where businesses need to make changes, we expect that they will be adapting anyway to be compliant with the new Regulation to continue trading with the EU.

On 3 December, the Department for Business and Trade’s Office for Product Safety and Standards published guidance for businesses on the application of the Regulation in Northern Ireland, which makes clear that authorities will continue to take a proportionate, risk-based, and intelligence-led approach to regulating the NI market, prioritising unsafe products.

DBT will continue to engage businesses directly to ensure they are familiar with the guidance and that the Government is supporting them to trade freely across the whole of the UK. My Department continues to have regular engagement with DBT on this new Regulation.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
19th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 17 December 2024 to Question 18801 on European Union (Withdrawal Arrangements) Bill, whether he received legal advice on that Bill.

I refer the Honourable Member to the Secretary of State’s reply of 17 December 2024 to Question 18801.

Fleur Anderson
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office)
19th Dec 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, following the ruling by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal on 17 December, what assessment they have made of the current levels of surveillance by the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Metropolitan Police into journalists, politicians and others in Northern Ireland.

There are a number of robust legal protections afforded to sensitive professions. These include Articles 8 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 and the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989.

There have been significant changes made since the actions investigated by the Tribunal occurred, including the implementation of the Investigatory Powers Act (2016) in 2018. Oversight of the use of investigatory powers is provided by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office who ensure that their use is necessary and proportionate, and in accordance with the law.

The Northern Ireland Policing Board has asked the Chief Constable for the McCullough Report, an independent review of PSNI use of surveillance against sensitive professions, to be provided by 31 March 2025.

Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
19th Dec 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the ruling by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal on 17 December into the actions of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Metropolitan Police regarding the investigation of journalists in Northern Ireland.

The Government has noted the detailed Investigatory Powers Tribunal judgment in this case. The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has already accepted the Tribunal’s judgment that due consideration was not given to whether there was an overriding public interest in interfering with journalistic sources before authorising surveillance. And although officers complied with UK law and procedure at the time, a 2013 authorisation for communications data was a breach of the PSNI’s human rights obligations. The Tribunal dismissed the complaint that the police had unlawfully obtained information and communications data by non-statutory means.

The Chief Constable has stated that he will take time to consider and reflect on the judgment and along with the findings of the McCullough Review, to consider what further steps the PSNI can take. The McCullough Review is an independent review of PSNI use of surveillance against sensitive professions. The Northern Ireland Policing Board has asked for the McCullough Report to be provided by 31 March 2025.

Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
17th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 12 November 2024 to Question 12917 on InterTrade UK, when he plans to announce the (a) remaining membership appointees and (b) first and subsequent meetings of InterTrade UK.

Preparatory work necessary to establish Intertrade UK is ongoing. I expect to be in a position to announce the membership of the body and the date of the first meeting at the earliest opportunity in the New Year.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
18th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he has had discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on trends in the level of teachers pay in Northern Ireland.

It is for the Northern Ireland Department of Education to set pay policy for teachers.

This Government has provided a record £18.2bn funding settlement for 2025-26 to the Northern Ireland Executive. This represents a £1.5bn increase and the largest settlement in real terms spending in the history of devolution. It is for the Northern Ireland Executive to use this money effectively and deliver good public services for the people of Northern Ireland.

Hilary Benn
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
18th Dec 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what are the implications of the judgment of the High Court in Northern Ireland that the Government must hold a public inquiry into the death of Sean Brown in 1997 for other such inquiries, particularly in light of the Government's decision not to establish an inquiry into the Patrick Finucane case.

The murder of Sean Brown was an appalling act, and the Government has enormous sympathy for the Brown family and the wider community, for what they have had to endure. The Government has confidence in the ICRIR’s ability to investigate the killing of Sean Brown which is why the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has encouraged Mrs Brown and her family to meet with Sir Declan Morgan and the ICRIR to hear how the Independent Commission would approach such an investigation.

The recent judgment by the High Court, however, raises a number of important issues, including matters of constitutional significance that go beyond this individual case. The Government has, therefore, lodged a notice of appeal to the Court of Appeal and is seeking expedition.

The matter will now be considered by the Court of Appeal and as such it would not be appropriate to further comment on the appeal, or matters related to it.

This will in no way delay our commitment to repeal and replace the Legacy Act, including reforming the ICRIR, to strengthen its capacity to find answers for victims and families.

Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
18th Dec 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the cost implications of the judgment of the High Court in Northern Ireland that the Government must establish a public inquiry into the 1997 murder of Sean Brown.

The murder of Sean Brown was an appalling act, and the Government has enormous sympathy for the Brown family and the wider community, for what they have had to endure. The Government has confidence in the ICRIR’s ability to investigate the killing of Sean Brown which is why the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has encouraged Mrs Brown and her family to meet with Sir Declan Morgan and the ICRIR to hear how the Independent Commission would approach such an investigation.

The recent judgment by the High Court, however, raises a number of important issues, including matters of constitutional significance that go beyond this individual case. The Government has, therefore, lodged a notice of appeal to the Court of Appeal and is seeking expedition.

The matter will now be considered by the Court of Appeal and as such it would not be appropriate to further comment on the appeal, or matters related to it.

This will in no way delay our commitment to repeal and replace the Legacy Act, including reforming the ICRIR, to strengthen its capacity to find answers for victims and families.

Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
18th Dec 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to appeal the judgment of the High Court in Northern Ireland that the Government must establish a public inquiry into the murder of Sean Brown in 1997.

The murder of Sean Brown was an appalling act, and the Government has enormous sympathy for the Brown family and the wider community, for what they have had to endure. The Government has confidence in the ICRIR’s ability to investigate the killing of Sean Brown which is why the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has encouraged Mrs Brown and her family to meet with Sir Declan Morgan and the ICRIR to hear how the Independent Commission would approach such an investigation.

The recent judgment by the High Court, however, raises a number of important issues, including matters of constitutional significance that go beyond this individual case. The Government has, therefore, lodged a notice of appeal to the Court of Appeal and is seeking expedition.

The matter will now be considered by the Court of Appeal and as such it would not be appropriate to further comment on the appeal, or matters related to it.

This will in no way delay our commitment to repeal and replace the Legacy Act, including reforming the ICRIR, to strengthen its capacity to find answers for victims and families.

Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
18th Dec 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the decision of the High Court in Northern Ireland that a public inquiry must be established into the murder of Sean Brown in 1997.

The murder of Sean Brown was an appalling act, and the Government has enormous sympathy for the Brown family and the wider community, for what they have had to endure. The Government has confidence in the ICRIR’s ability to investigate the killing of Sean Brown which is why the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has encouraged Mrs Brown and her family to meet with Sir Declan Morgan and the ICRIR to hear how the Independent Commission would approach such an investigation.

The recent judgment by the High Court, however, raises a number of important issues, including matters of constitutional significance that go beyond this individual case. The Government has, therefore, lodged a notice of appeal to the Court of Appeal and is seeking expedition.

The matter will now be considered by the Court of Appeal and as such it would not be appropriate to further comment on the appeal, or matters related to it.

This will in no way delay our commitment to repeal and replace the Legacy Act, including reforming the ICRIR, to strengthen its capacity to find answers for victims and families.

Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
11th Dec 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will deliver the £250 million of legacy funding that they had allocated in the Stormont House Agreement 2014 and New Decade, New Approach 2020 in full.

As the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland set out in his statement in the House of Commons on 4 December, this Government is committed to addressing the legacy of the Troubles so that society in Northern Ireland can heal from the terrible wounds of the past and look to a better future. This commitment includes delivering on the funding agreed with HM Treasury for the legacy programme, with a total envelope of £250 million. This funding derived from £150 million allocated to implement the Stormont House Agreement and £100 million allocated through the New Decade, New Approach agreement.

Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
10th Dec 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 27 November (HL Deb cols 681–2), when the Minister will answer the question on the schedule for publishing papers set out in Annex B of the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper (CP 1021).

This Government is committed to implementing the Windsor Framework in good faith and to protecting Northern Ireland’s place in the UK internal market. We are currently considering the best way to take forward the approach referred to in Annex B of the Safeguarding the Union command paper.

Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)