Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Naomi Long Excerpts
Wednesday 18th May 2011

(13 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Owen Paterson Portrait Mr Paterson
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Yes, I understand the tone of the hon. Gentleman’s question. We endorse the agreements. We made that clear, as our record over the past year shows, but we also recognise that the past continues to be an issue. That is why I am continuing to talk to a wide range of groups, as is my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, to see whether we can find a way forward on which we can work with the Executive.

Naomi Long Portrait Naomi Long (Belfast East) (Alliance)
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Does the Secretary of State agree that a coherent and comprehensive strategy to deal with legacy issues is vital if we are to build a stable future for the people of Northern Ireland?

Owen Paterson Portrait Mr Paterson
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I could not quite hear the hon. Lady’s question, but I think I got the gist of it. As she knows, it is not easy to achieve consensus on this issue, which is why we are carrying on this listening exercise and talking with a wide range of groups, and I am very happy to talk and listen to her.