Northern Ireland: Political Developments

Nigel Mills Excerpts

Tuesday 10th January 2017 Commons Chamber

[James Brokenshire]

The hon. Gentleman may have noted that I said in my statement that, obviously, the focus has been on RHI, but other issues have come through from this. Indeed, the letter that Mr McGuinness published yesterday highlighted a number of those themes. That is why I make the point at this time about parties coming together and working together in the best interests of Northern Ireland, given so much opportunity that resides there. There needs to be that focus on the big issues at hand and the best interests of Northern Ireland.

[Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con)]

If there are constructive talks in the next few days, will the Secretary of State be willing to consider extending the seven-day period before an election has to be called?

[James Brokenshire]

As I have indicated, the law is clear about the seven-day period and I must act within a reasonable period following that. Obviously, if the time period elapses, I will need to consider the position carefully, but I am under that statutory duty and I will follow through on it.