Oral Answers to Questions

Luke Akehurst Excerpts

Wednesday 7th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Matthew Patrick]

I am aware of the reforms that the right hon. Gentleman mentions. The Government share the EU’s ambition to take action against antimicrobial resistance, but I am also aware of the potential impact on Northern Ireland’s health service, particularly the demand for GP appointments, as he mentioned. We have raised this, and I will be happy to write to him with an update in due course.

[Luke Akehurst (North Durham) (Lab)]

2. What steps he has taken to engage with relevant stakeholders on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.

[Mr Paul Foster (South Ribble) (Lab)]

9. What steps he has taken to engage with relevant stakeholders on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)]

I regularly meet a variety of stakeholders to talk about the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, including veterans groups, political parties in Northern Ireland, and victims and families who are still living with the effects of those decades of terrible violence.

[Luke Akehurst]

No matter what unit they served in, veterans in North Durham are particularly concerned about the impact of the new legislation on those who served in the special forces. Can the Secretary of State reassure me that he has met the Special Air Service Regimental Association and is responding to its specific concerns?

[Hilary Benn]

I am very happy to give my hon. Friend that assurance. I did indeed meet the Special Air Service Regimental Association recently, as part of the discussions that I and my colleagues in the Ministry of Defence are having with veterans. We are listening to the concerns being expressed and, as I have said to the House on a number of occasions, we want to ensure that the legislation responds to them.