Northern Ireland: Supreme Court Ruling

Debate between Lord Duncan of Springbank and Lord Cashman

Thursday 7th June 2018 Lords Chamber

[Lord Duncan of Springbank]

The simple answer to the noble and learned Lord is yes.

[Lord Cashman (Lab)]

My Lords, human rights and our international obligations under human rights conventions are not a devolved issue. I therefore reiterate the point made by my noble friend Lady Smith of Basildon: it is imperative that the Government set out a timetable to re-establish devolved government. In the absence of meeting such a timetable, will the Government stop kicking the can of the human rights of women and others in Northern Ireland down the line in the hope that someone else will solve a problem that seems intractable?

[Lord Duncan of Springbank]

The can cannot be kicked down the road for ever. A solution needs to be found. We desperately and dearly hope that that solution is found by a new Executive recognising their responsibilities to deliver for the women and girls of Northern Ireland.