Asked by: Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
The Senior Deputy Speaker what consideration has been given to implementing arrangements for Members of the House of Lords to vote in person in divisions in line with the method used by the House of Commons on 2 June.
Answered by Lord McFall of Alcluith
In late March arrangements were made for members to vote in the Royal Gallery, allowing for social distancing, should the need for a division arise. Use of these temporary arrangements was not ultimately required. The Procedure Committee and the House agreed to concentrate on the development of electronic voting facilities, given the high number of members who are currently unable to attend Westminster and are required to participate remotely in the business of the House. Operation of the electronic voting system commenced on 15 June and is to be used by all members whether remote or on the Estate. Engagement with the remote voting system has been extremely good. These arrangements will be kept under review by the Procedure Committee, which continues to meet regularly.
Asked by: Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to provide for a referendum in Northern Ireland on the reunification of Ireland.
Answered by Lord Duncan of Springbank
It remains the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland's view that a majority of the people of Northern Ireland continue to support Northern Ireland's place in the United Kingdom.
The circumstances set out in the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement that require the Secretary of State to hold a referendum on Irish unification are therefore not satisfied.
Asked by: Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that any Brexit agreement will be acceptable to the population of Northern Ireland and to ensure that the Good Friday agreement will be maintained.
Answered by Lord Duncan of Springbank
The UK Government is determined to deliver the best deal for the whole of our United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. We have placed the upholding of the Belfast Agreement at the heart of our approach to the negotiations with the EU, and this is reflected in the December Joint Report text. Our White Paper proposes a comprehensive future partnership which would meet our commitments, including the avoidance of a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland and would maintain the constitutional and economic integrity of the UK.