Oral Answers to Questions

Harry Harpham Excerpts
Wednesday 14th October 2015

(9 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Ben Wallace Portrait Mr Wallace
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May I refer the hon. Gentleman to his party leader, who has been in the talks over the last few weeks? He may be able to refresh his memory about what proposals have been put forward. The talks are ongoing; they are intense and we hope collectively to come to a resolution.

Harry Harpham Portrait Harry Harpham (Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough) (Lab)
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3. What assessment she has made of the political situation in Northern Ireland since the murder of Kevin McGuigan Sr in August 2015.

David Amess Portrait Sir David Amess (Southend West) (Con)
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5. What recent assessment she has made of the political situation in Northern Ireland.

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Theresa Villiers Portrait The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mrs Theresa Villiers)
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I would first like to associate myself with the tributes paid to Garda Officer Golden. His death was a tragedy, and my condolences go to his family, friends and police colleagues.

It is essential that the cross-party talks deliver a way to implement the Stormont House agreement and also a means to address the continuing impact of paramilitary organisations. The Northern Ireland parties are engaging intensively, but time is short and a resolution is urgently needed.

Harry Harpham Portrait Harry Harpham
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What progress has been made in the cross-party talks convened by the British and Irish Governments to overcome the current impasse? In particular, what work is being done to rebuild trust between the parties?