Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ranil Jayawardena and Julian Smith

Wednesday 5th February 2020 Commons Chamber

[Mr Ranil Jayawardena (North East Hampshire) (Con)]

11. What recent assessment he has made of the security situation in Northern Ireland.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Julian Smith)]

The security situation in Northern Ireland remains severe.

--- Later in debate ---

[Julian Smith]

I agree with my hon. Friend. We have to condemn the ongoing activities of dissident republicans. I pay tribute to the police and to our security services for all the work that they do to make sure that Northern Ireland remains safe.

[Mr Jayawardena]

What about those who have been responsible for security in years gone by? When will the Government put an end to the vexatious claims against our brave armed forces?

[Julian Smith]

We have said—and the Prime Minister could not be clearer on this—that we will end vexatious claims, for both the police and the armed forces. We look forward to bringing forward legislation in that regard in due course.