Northern Ireland: Devolved Government

Debate between Lord Browne of Ladyton and Lord Duncan of Springbank

Monday 18th March 2019 Lords Chamber

[Lord Duncan of Springbank]

I am afraid I do not know the answer to that question.

[Lord Browne of Ladyton (Lab)]

My Lords, has the Prime Minister met with the leaders of any other parties in Northern Ireland to discuss Brexit in the same timescale as she has met with the DUP? All important decisions in Northern Ireland according to the Good Friday agreement require cross-community agreement. What efforts are the Government making to get cross-community agreement for the people of Northern Ireland?

[Lord Duncan of Springbank]

Brexit is Banquo’s ghost at every meeting the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland undertakes in Northern Ireland—of that I can be absolutely certain. The important thing is to ensure that all those in those discussions are heard and that their voices are not ignored. We are not yet in a position to bring them together to deliver the Executive that we would wish to see restored.