Asked by: Bob Blackman (Conservative - Harrow East)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
I introduced the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill on 14 October – a significant step in fulfilling our commitment to repeal and replace the Legacy Act.
The Bill received its Second Reading yesterday, and I look forward to continued debate and scrutiny as it progresses through Parliament.
Asked by: Bob Blackman (Conservative - Harrow East)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps his Department is taking to support businesses trading between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
Answered by Conor Burns
The Government is committed to ensuring businesses can trade freely throughout the United Kingdom. By the end of the year, we will have spent £340m helping traders process 2.3 million customs declarations through the Trader Support Service for trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. But this just reduces the burden on NI purchasers and GB suppliers rather than removing it, which is why we need changes to the Protocol to deliver a sustainable solution.
Asked by: Bob Blackman (Conservative - Harrow East)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
What progress has been made on restoring devolved government in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Julian Smith
I was disappointed that the parties were unable to reach an accommodation before the 21 October deadline. Getting Stormont back up and running remains my absolute priority, and I will do everything in my power to make it happen before the 13 January deadline. At that point, the choices facing us will be very limited indeed.