Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Excerpts
Tuesday 10th July 2012

(12 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Portrait Ms Margaret Ritchie (South Down) (SDLP)
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Given the special circumstances that exist in Northern Ireland, will the Minister have direct discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland about Northern Ireland’s human rights legislation and a separate Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland?

Mark Harper Portrait Mr Harper
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My understanding is that discussions are under way on that point, but that the parties in Northern Ireland have not been able to reach a consensus. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland will continue to have discussions, but he wants to reach a consensus among the parties in Northern Ireland before making progress.