Debates between Angela Eagle and Ian Paisley during the 2017-2019 Parliament

Thu 18th Jul 2019
Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill
Commons Chamber

Ping Pong: House of Commons & Ping Pong: House of Commons

Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill

Debate between Angela Eagle and Ian Paisley
Ping Pong: House of Commons
Thursday 18th July 2019

(5 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Angela Eagle Portrait Ms Eagle
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I could not agree more. My hon. Friend and I were establishing our economic and political credentials at university at the same time. His judgment has only improved and matured over the years.

Ian Paisley Portrait Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP)
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Does the hon. Lady agree that it is an outrage that this debate, which is supposed to be on the Northern Ireland Executive’s formation, is being hijacked and turned into something to do with Brexit, and to do with every issue under the sun except the formation of the Executive, which now looks more unlikely as a result of this legislation?

Angela Eagle Portrait Ms Eagle
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The hon. Gentleman is right to be somewhat miffed about what he calls a hijack, but what I call a situation in which needs must. This is the longest parliamentary Session since the civil war, because the Government, who effectively have no majority, dare not prorogue Parliament, as they would then have to have a Queen’s Speech, and they do not have one handy because the work has not been done. No Government Front Bencher knows whether they will be on the Front Bench next week. Some know that they definitely will not; I hope that that will free them up when they are in the voting Lobby a bit later. The lack of a chance to use a legislative vehicle to establish Parliament’s rights has led us to this pass, so I understand the hon. Gentleman’s feelings, but when a legislative vehicle passes, and it is the only one in a desert, and we desperately need to clamber aboard, then needs must.

Ian Paisley Portrait Ian Paisley
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You accept that this is an abuse.

Angela Eagle Portrait Ms Eagle
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I did not say that it was an abuse; I said that needs must. I understand the hon. Gentleman’s irritation with the situation, but as this is the only legislative vehicle in sight, it is quite legitimate to try to use it to assert Parliament’s rights on this matter.