Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to mitigate the effects in Northern Ireland of a potential EU ban on the sale of antimicrobial drugs without prescription.

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

The EU has not yet formally approved or published a final legal text, I am however aware of the potential impacts of restrictions on the sale of antimicrobial medicines without prescription on Northern Ireland's health services, particularly demand for GP appointments. The Government has raised this issue and we will, as ever, always advocate for the interests of Northern Ireland.

The Government will publish an explanatory memorandum in due course in accordance with the usual processes.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Statement by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 28 January (HLWS1282), what procedure they used to commence the provisions in Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022.

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

On Wednesday 28 January 2026, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland made the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 (Commencement No. 3) Regulations 2026, in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 10(2) and 10(3) of the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022. The commenced provisions came into force on 29 January 2026.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the global level of antisemitism; and how the protection of Jewish communities is reflected in the UK’s foreign policy.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

Antisemitism is completely abhorrent and has no place in our or any society. The global rise in antisemitism is deeply concerning and the UK is taking a strong lead in tackling it in all its forms at home and overseas.

In a speech marking Holocaust Memorial Day on 26 January, the Foreign Secretary underlined her commitment to working with partners around the world to tackle antisemitism, including close collaboration with Canada and Australia in the wake of recent attacks. She also announced that Jon Pearce MP would be appointed as the UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues.

This appointment represents the UK's unwavering commitment to the protection of the Jewish community in the UK and abroad. The Envoy will ensure that the UK continues to play a prominent role in international discussions on all Holocaust related matters, including working with international partners, and representing the UK in relevant international fora, including as Head of the UK Delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).

In 2024, the UK supported the development of new Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism, which are largely based on the UK's best practice in tackling antisemitism. We continue to urge countries to adopt these guidelines, as well as the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.

Found: January 2026) Lord Carlile of Berriew CBE KC (Chair) • No relevant interests to declare Lord Dodds of Duncairn

The Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee is undertaking a short follow-up inquiry to examine some of the recent announcements made in the Government’s response to the Committee’s Report Northern Ireland after Brexit: Strengthening Northern Ireland’s voice in the context of the Windsor Framework, published in October 2025, and in Lord Murphy’s Independent Review of the Windsor Framework. The Committee will hear evidence from business stakeholders on the One Stop Shop, the new Northern Ireland Business Stakeholder Group, as well as general issues in relation to business experience and engagement with the Windsor Framework.