Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill Debate

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Department: Scotland Office

Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill

Earl of Courtown Excerpts
2nd reading (Hansard): House of Lords
Wednesday 10th July 2019

(5 years, 4 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Cormack Portrait Lord Cormack
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This is a very long speech.

Earl of Courtown Portrait The Earl of Courtown (Con)
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My Lords, I apologise to the House but I think it is time that the noble Lord brought his speech to an end.

Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown Portrait Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown
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Yes, I am bringing my comments to a conclusion. My sermon concerned the consequences of choices. I suggest to this House that we have the power to make choices but we do not have the power to decide the consequences. With every choice, there is a consequence. I say to this House that if it passes this legislation and forces it on the people of Northern Ireland, there will be no need for an Assembly, and the unionist people of Northern Ireland should not be blamed for going down the road of direct rule.