Northern Ireland

Lord Murphy of Torfaen Excerpts

Tuesday 11th December 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Villiers]

Yes, I agree that significant economic damage is being done as a result of these riots, which is another reason why it is urgent that they cease.

[Paul Murphy (Torfaen) (Lab)]

Does the Secretary of State agree that although the priority must be to end the appalling violence, the Alliance party genuinely tried to find a compromise on a very difficult issue? Does she accept that it is important for her, as the United Kingdom Secretary of State not only to talk to the political leaders in Northern Ireland—that is vital—but to engage in conversation with leaders of local government in Northern Ireland, to try to stop the violence happening elsewhere?

[Mrs Villiers]

I agree that it is very important for me and for my Minister of State to engage with local government on these and other issues, and with the wider community as well. It is essential that councillors from Belfast city council are able to take decisions on issues such as flags without being intimidated, and without having a riot outside their door. It was a disgraceful start to a sad series of events that a council was prevented from taking a vote on the issue. It is down to the council to take its own decisions on these matters.