Oral Answers to Questions

Sarah Jones Excerpts

Wednesday 5th September 2018 Commons Chamber

[Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con)]

4. What recent steps she has taken to engage with the political parties in Northern Ireland.

[Sarah Jones (Croydon Central) (Lab)]

5. What steps she is taking to restore power sharing in Northern Ireland.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Karen Bradley)]

I am acutely aware of the deep frustration and difficulties faced by the people of Northern Ireland and the urgent need to re-establish a locally elected, democratically accountable devolved Government. I remain in close contact with the five main political parties and the Irish Government where appropriate.

[Karen Bradley]

Yes, I can confirm that. Abortion is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland, and it is only right that questions of law and policy on abortion, including the legality of any medicines, are decided by a devolved Government in Northern Ireland.

[Sarah Jones]

Given that it is now more than 18 months since the Assembly was suspended, will the Prime Minister now become more involved in the process, along with the Taoiseach?

[Karen Bradley]

I can assure the hon. Lady that the Prime Minister is very involved in the conversations and discussions that we have with all the main political parties. On her visit to Northern Ireland at the beginning of the summer, she met all five main parties and had discussions with them about that. Again, I continue to hold discussions with the Irish Government, including with the Taoiseach, whom I saw on Sunday.