Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland

Lord Murphy of Torfaen Excerpts

Monday 15th March 2021 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con)]

No, my Lords, it is not. We understand the commission will write letters of legal action, which we are considering, but we will defend our position vigorously. Our measures are all lawful.

[Lord Murphy of Torfaen (Lab) [V]]

My Lords, legal action for megaphone diplomacy will solve absolutely nothing. What is needed is proper dialogue, proper discussion and proper negotiation. There is not a scrap of evidence that any of those things is happening. Will the Minister agree to liaise with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and convene meetings with all the Northern Ireland political parties and their leaders as soon as possible? The only way through this is with the consent of all the communities and parties in Northern Ireland.

[Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con)]

I agree with the noble Lord that that is the way forward, and that is exactly what the Government are doing.