Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to the judgment in Summary of judgment - In re Dillon and others - NI Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 - CA, whether he plans to repeal Section 44 of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Government remains committed to repealing and replacing the Legacy Act. In my statement to the House on 29 July, I made clear my commitment to propose measures to allow inquests previously halted under Section 44 of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 to proceed. I intend to implement the changes to the Act that I have promised, including allowing Troubles-related inquests to continue and reinstating prospective civil proceedings.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to the Written Statement of 29 July 2024 on the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, HCWS30, what steps he plans to take to consult stakeholders on proposals relating to that Act.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
As part of my commitment to repeal and replace the Legacy Act, I am undertaking a wide range of engagements, consulting with interested parties, including victims and survivors, veterans, statutory bodies, Northern Ireland political parties, and wider civil society. This of course includes continued close discussion with the Irish Government, which this Government considers to be a valued partner in this process. These discussions focus on finding a pragmatic way forward that can both comply with human rights and command public confidence. I am encouraged by the willingness of those I have met to date to engage constructively, and I look forward to further discussions in the period ahead.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he has had with the (a) Secretary of State for Heath and Social Care and (b) Northern Ireland Executive on access to a UK-wide compensation scheme for victims of fetal valproate syndrome in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
I have not had any discussions with the Secretary of State for Health or the Northern Ireland Executive regarding access to a UK-wide compensation scheme for victims of fetal valproate syndrome in Northern Ireland. The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department of Health confirmed on 12 November that the Government will be providing an update to the Patient Safety Commissioner’s report at the earliest opportunity, and is engaging with devolved Governments, including the Northern Ireland Executive.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to page 90 of the Kings Speech 2024 background briefing notes, published on 17 July 2024, what recent progress he has made on his plans to replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 in a way that complies with human rights standards; and what steps he is taking to help ensure the effective conduct of investigations by the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Government remains committed to repealing and replacing the Legacy Act, in particular, those sections which have been most vehemently opposed by victims and survivors and found deficient by the court. The Government has already committed to bringing forward a remedial order under the Human Rights Act to remove conditional immunity provisions and we are considering the Dillon judgment. We are also consulting widely on a practical way forward that can obtain support and comply with our human rights obligations. I remain committed to retaining and reforming the ICRIR to further strengthen its powers and independence.
Both the High Court and Court of Appeal have recognised the ICRIR’s structural independence and wide powers to conduct effective investigations. The Government has confidence in the ICRIR’s ability to deliver results for victims and survivors.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps the Government are taking to help support businesses transition to new trading arrangements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
This Government is committed to implementing the Windsor Framework in good faith and protecting the UK internal market.
We continue to work closely with businesses to support a smooth and effective transition to the new arrangements under the Framework. In September, the Government announced that the Trader Support Service has been extended to the end of 2025 and that a competitive procurement exercise will begin in early 2025 to deliver ongoing support to traders from 2026.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps his Department is taking to help attract foreign direct investment in (a) the Mid-South West and (b) Causeway Coast and Glens in Northern Ireland; and what steps his Department plans to take to promote Northern Ireland's dual market access to help attract investment into these regions.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The UK Government’s investment of £126 million into the Mid South West Growth Deal and £36 million into the Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deal will be focused on digital and innovation projects that take advantage of the opportunities of the future. The two Deals’ ambitious projects will create high-value jobs, increase skills and employability, and create exciting opportunities for foreign direct investment into the two regions.
Northern Ireland enjoys many advantages as a great place to invest and do business, including being part of the UK internal market and enjoying access to the EU single market for goods, and the Government takes every opportunity to make this case to investors.