Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Bob Blackman Excerpts
Wednesday 27th November 2013

(10 years, 12 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Theresa Villiers Portrait Mrs Villiers
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I can assure the hon. Gentleman that I am very supportive of the Haass process and very engaged with the Irish Government. I have had discussions with all the political parties on these crucial matters. I have also had a number of helpful discussions in the United States about how our American friends can continue their role of supporting Northern Ireland’s political leadership in the difficult decisions that it needs to make on the issues that are the subject of the Haass process.

Bob Blackman Portrait Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)
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2. What recent discussions she has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on building a shared future in Northern Ireland.

Theresa Villiers Portrait The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mrs Theresa Villiers)
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I have discussed the importance of tackling sectarian divisions and building a shared society with the Northern Ireland Executive on many occasions, most recently with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister on 11 November. They both agree on the importance of delivering the commitments set out in their strategy document “Together: Building a United Community”.

Bob Blackman Portrait Bob Blackman
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The disturbances over the summer confirmed that there is much work to be done on building a just and fair society in Ulster. What will my right hon. Friend do to ensure that the community relations strategy announced by the Northern Ireland Executive is brought to fruition?