Oral Answers to Questions

Gareth Johnson Excerpts

Wednesday 5th December 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Villiers]

I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady’s constituent. It sounds as though he has an excellent project. Over the coming months, the Government will work hard to ensure that Northern Ireland gets the maximum possible benefits from the G8, which is an opportunity to showcase Fermanagh and the whole of Northern Ireland as a brilliant place to visit as a tourist and a brilliant place in which to invest.

[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.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mrs Theresa Villiers)]

The Government are committed to doing all we can to keep people in Northern Ireland safe. The threat level in Northern Ireland remains “severe” but the Police Service of Northern Ireland and its partners are working with dedication and determination in their efforts to frustrate the attacks planned by terrorists.

[Gareth Johnson]

Northern Ireland is as much a part of the United Kingdom as Dartford, so does the Secretary of State share my deep disappointment that the Union flag will not fly continuously over Belfast city hall, and does she agree with the principle that no law should prevent the Union flag from flying anywhere in the United Kingdom?

[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.