Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

David Anderson Excerpts
Wednesday 23rd January 2013

(11 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Theresa Villiers Portrait Mrs Villiers
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It is constructive to have dialogue across the board. The Unionist forum can provide a good opportunity to engage with the loyalist community and I welcome the fact that those heading it up have emphasised that there is a twin-track approach that will involve dialogue with the other political parties and other parts of the community.

David Anderson Portrait Mr David Anderson (Blaydon) (Lab)
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May I add to the comments made by the hon. Member for Foyle (Mark Durkan) about the role played by Inez McCormack over many years? In moving the peace process forward, she always said that if we want to move from a shared divided past to a shared united future we must do that in a non-partisan way while recognising that we must compromise. The Northern Ireland parties in this House have attempted to work together, so will the Secretary of State give her commitment that she will ensure that that makes progress?

Theresa Villiers Portrait Mrs Villiers
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Yes, I will.