Oral Answers to Questions

Fiona Bruce Excerpts

Wednesday 5th September 2018 Commons Chamber

[Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con)]

4. What recent steps she has taken to engage with the political parties in Northern Ireland.

[Sarah Jones (Croydon Central) (Lab)]

5. What steps she is taking to restore power sharing in Northern Ireland.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Karen Bradley)]

I am acutely aware of the deep frustration and difficulties faced by the people of Northern Ireland and the urgent need to re-establish a locally elected, democratically accountable devolved Government. I remain in close contact with the five main political parties and the Irish Government where appropriate.

[Fiona Bruce]

The roles of the Northern Irish parties and their Assembly should be respected. Will the Minister confirm that the legality of taking Misoprostol, the second pill in medical abortions, at home in Northern Ireland is something for the people of Northern Ireland and their locally elected representatives to determine?

[Karen Bradley]

Yes, I can confirm that. Abortion is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland, and it is only right that questions of law and policy on abortion, including the legality of any medicines, are decided by a devolved Government in Northern Ireland.