Oral Answers to Questions

Lucy Powell Excerpts

Wednesday 23rd January 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Villiers]

I am happy and enthusiastic to join the hon. Gentleman in paying that tribute. For many years, I have campaigned against anti-Semitism, and I believe that it is a hallmark of a civilised society that it protects minorities. That is one of the vital reasons why we should all continue to be vigilant on the matter of anti-Semitism and other forms of hate crime.

[Lucy Powell (Manchester Central) (Lab/Co-op)]

2. What assessment she has made of the recent public disorder in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement.

[Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab)]

4. What assessment she has made of the recent public disorder in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mrs Theresa Villiers)]

The recent violence in Northern Ireland has been intolerable. The Government fully support the efforts of the Police Service of Northern Ireland in their efforts to combat this disorder and to bring to justice those responsible for it.

[Lucy Powell]

While the activities and involvement of many young people in the recent disorder has been criminal and wrong, does the Secretary of State agree that what those young people need is some hope for the future, through jobs and training? What will she do to ensure that the Northern Ireland Assembly gets all the support it needs in that endeavour?

[Mrs Villiers]

The UK Government continue to support the Northern Ireland Executive through the block grant, which is approximately 25% higher in Northern Ireland than it is in England. Our economic strategy is focused on rebalancing the Northern Ireland economy, providing a boost by getting the public finances under control and keeping interest rates low. We are providing support for families by cancelling Labour’s fuel tax rises, and we have provided an income tax cut for over 600,000 families in Northern Ireland.