Stormont House Agreement

Lord Kilclooney Excerpts

Wednesday 7th January 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Shutt of Greetland (LD)]

My Lords—

[Lord Kilclooney (CB)]

My Lords—

[Lord Christopher (Lab)]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[Baroness O'Loan (CB)]

My Lords—

[Lord Kilclooney]

My Lords—

[Baroness O'Loan]

My Lords, the Minister gestured to me.

--- Later in debate ---

[Baroness Randerson]

The noble Baroness refers to the timescale that we are envisaging. For example, we hope that the historical investigations unit will be able to complete its work in five years. The Government of the day will have to consider the situation at the end of that time. It will be for the Government of the day to make that decision.

[Lord Kilclooney]

My Lords, I was involved in the talks leading to the Belfast agreement and representatives of all political parties with elected Members were involved in those talks. Why on this occasion were the elected representatives of one-third of the Unionist voters excluded from the talks that led to this provisional agreement? Is that the basis on which to get all-party support in the future?

When it comes to corporation tax, I very much welcome the views expressed by the noble Lord, Lord McAvoy. Of course businesses in Northern Ireland have welcomed the move because they will be paying less tax. But the Minister has confirmed—at last—that if the Northern Ireland Assembly reduces corporation tax in Northern Ireland, the block grant will be reduced. That will mean less for hospitals and education. It will be rejected by many people across Northern Ireland.

[Baroness Randerson]

The noble Lord referred to the reduction in the block grant. That process is taking place with the devolution of other taxes. It is, of course, a decision that the Northern Ireland Executive would take in the light of their decision to pursue corporation tax devolution because the purpose behind pursuing it is to create a more prosperous society and to encourage the establishment of further businesses and further inward investment.

The noble Lord refers to the parties at the talks. I am sure that he is fully aware of the background details of how the talks developed over two years. It is therefore the case that the leaders who were there believed that at that time there was purpose in talking together.