Asked by: Jim Allister (Traditional Unionist Voice - North Antrim)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 8 October 2024 to Question 5642 on Murder of Patrick Finucane Independent Inquiry, what his planned timetable is for publishing the inquiry's terms of reference.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
I am keen that the Inquiry is able to begin its work without undue delay. The Inquiries Act 2005 sets out clear steps to follow in setting up an inquiry including the appointment of the Chair, agreement on the Terms of Reference, working through the necessary logistics such as facilities and services procurement, and setting up the Inquiry secretariat.
I will provide an update on the Terms of Reference once it has been agreed with the Chair.
Asked by: Jim Allister (Traditional Unionist Voice - North Antrim)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he has made an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of the Windsor Framework (Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals) Regulations 2024 on pet owners.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Pet Travel Scheme will significantly reduce the burdens associated with the original Northern Ireland Protocol, and provides a stable and long-term footing for pet travel for those travelling with their pets within the United Kingdom.
Asked by: Jim Allister (Traditional Unionist Voice - North Antrim)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will update the List of Specified Documents that can be used in elections in Northern Ireland to include the (a) HM Armed Forces veteran card and (b) MOD90 card.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Government intends to bring forward legislation to add the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card to the list of identity documents that may be used in Northern Ireland polling stations in advance of the next scheduled elections in Northern Ireland which will be held in 2027.
The list of identity documents that can be produced at polling stations in Northern Ireland is well established and understood. Any further changes to the list will be considered as part of a wider review.
Asked by: Jim Allister (Traditional Unionist Voice - North Antrim)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he has had recent discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential merits of reinstating the Causeway City and Growth deal.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Government has inherited a £22 billion black hole in the public finances and, as a result, the Treasury is having to consider a range of measures to address this through the spending review.
Since the announcement that the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West deals have been paused, I have met with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and many other interested parties to discuss the potential of both deals for encouraging economic growth.
Asked by: Jim Allister (Traditional Unionist Voice - North Antrim)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will take steps to ensure that (a) the Belfast News Letter and (b) other news outlets are given equal rights to ask questions at his Department's press conferences.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Office invites a wide range of news outlets to its departmental press conferences.
During press conferences, as many news outlets as possible are given an opportunity to ask a question. However, it is not always possible for every media outlet to ask a question due to time constraints.
News outlets can pose questions at any time to the department’s press office.
Asked by: Jim Allister (Traditional Unionist Voice - North Antrim)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to The Windsor Framework (Implementation) Regulations 2024, what functions he exercises direction and control over; and if he will publish the directions issued under those regulations.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Windsor Framework (Implementation) Regulations are intended to assist with the delivery of the arrangements adopted between the UK and EU as set out in the Windsor Framework and, more specifically, the operation of arrangements under the Windsor Framework concerning the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The Government does not routinely publish details of discussions with officials working under its direction, whether under the terms of these regulations or otherwise.
Asked by: Jim Allister (Traditional Unionist Voice - North Antrim)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to the policy paper entitled Safeguarding the Union, published on 31 January 2024, whether he plans to implement the policies set out in that paper.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Government is committed to implementing the Windsor Framework in good faith and to taking all necessary steps to protect the UK internal market.