Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Laurence Robertson Excerpts
Wednesday 28th June 2017

(7 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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James Brokenshire Portrait James Brokenshire
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The additional funding that has been outlined is for an inclusive Executive to be able to utilise those funds in the best interests of Northern Ireland. That is the most powerful, effective way to deliver on that. That is why I have been using all my time, energy and efforts to see that the Executive are restored. That is absolutely the best way to ensure that the points that the hon. Gentleman rightly makes are seen.

Laurence Robertson Portrait Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con)
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Is it not the case that in September 2015 there was a crisis in the institutions in Northern Ireland—long before any deal between the Conservative party and the DUP was struck? Is it not also the case that this particular crisis started long before any deal between the Conservative party and the DUP was struck?

James Brokenshire Portrait James Brokenshire
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My hon. Friend highlights the challenges that we have in seeing the Executive restored and the challenges that have emerged over the course of this year. He is right: it is so important that we focus on that task at hand and see that the time available is used so that the Executive are restored and perform in the best interests of Northern Ireland and all communities across Northern Ireland.