Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland: Supreme Court Judgment Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland: Supreme Court Judgment

Lord Hannan of Kingsclere Excerpts
Thursday 9th February 2023

(1 year, 8 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Caine Portrait Lord Caine (Con)
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As I just pointed out in response to his noble friend, the noble Lord, Lord McCrea, this is an issue we are seeking to resolve in the negotiations. I cannot really go into any detail at the Dispatch Box.

Lord Hannan of Kingsclere Portrait Lord Hannan of Kingsclere (Con)
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My Lords, the Acts of Union were our country’s foundational charter. If the United Kingdom had a national day analogous to the independence days of other countries, it would commemorate 1 January 1801, when the Acts of Union took effect. How can any British Government, least of all a Conservative and Unionist British Government, tolerate legislation that is now held in the courts to be at odds with that foundational document?

Lord Caine Portrait Lord Caine (Con)
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I can assure my noble friend that, as a staunch unionist, I would have no issue whatever in commemorating or marking 1 January 1801 every year. I have already answered his question: issues around governance and the democratic deficit have to be resolved in our ongoing and intensive dialogue and negotiations with the EU.