Oral Answers to Questions

David Rutley Excerpts

Wednesday 5th December 2012 Commons Chamber

[Gareth Johnson (Dartford) (Con)]

3. What recent assessment she has made of the security situation in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement.

[David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)]

6. What recent assessment she has made of the security situation in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement.

[Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con)]

10. What recent assessment she has made of the security situation in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mrs Villiers]

I fully appreciate the strength of feeling on the flying of flags, but nothing could possibly justify the scenes of disorder witnessed outside city hall in Belfast earlier this week. Yes, there are serious and significant sensitivities about flag flying, but these decisions must be taken on the basis of sound, reasoned discussions and democratic votes, and not as a result of mobs seeking to beat down the door of city hall.

[David Rutley]

Given the upcoming G8 summit at the Lough Erne hotel near Enniskillen, which will be important for the whole country and not just Northern Ireland, will my right hon. Friend assure the House that security plans are being drawn up to ensure that the summit is the success it truly deserves to be?

[Mrs Villiers]

I can give my hon. Friend that assurance. Planning is already very much under way. The Government are committed to working closely with the PSNI and its partners to ensure that the policing and security operations around the G8 are a success.