4 APPG memberships (as of 29 Dec 2021)
Eggs, Pigs and Poultry, Multiple Sclerosis, Rural Business and the Rural Powerhouse, Thalidomide12 Former APPG memberships
All-Party Parliamentary Group for Digital Economy, Almshouses, Bees, Broadband and Digital Communication, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Dairy, Digital Economy, Ireland and the Irish in Britain, Lyme Disease, Rural Business, Rural Services, Unpaid Work Trials09:00
09:00
Subject: Investment in Northern Ireland
2 Feb 2022, 9 a.m.
At 9.30am: Oral evidence
Gordon Lyons MLA - Minister for the Economy at Northern Ireland Department for the Economy
At 10.30am: Oral evidence
Mr Peter Cunningham - CEO at Camlin Group
Mark Huddleston - Joint CEO at Makers Alliance
View calendar
17:00
voted Aye - in line with the party majority
One of 292 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 298 Noes - 176
My right hon. Friend knows that the thuggery and criminality of the self-styled paramilitaries add nothing to stability anywhere in …
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 6 December 2021 to Question 87781 …
That this House believes that the George Cross should be awarded to the National Health Service in recognition of its …
07:10
House in Oxfordshire, owned jointly with my wife: (i) and, since September 2015, (ii). (Registered 21 May 2015; updated 8 …
That this House notes with deep concern convincing evidence collected by the Association of Local Council Clerks showing that, far …
Division Voting information
Simon Hoare voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 13 Conservative No votes vs 341 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 351 Noes - 276
Simon Hoare voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 34 Conservative No votes vs 319 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 319 Noes - 308
Simon Hoare voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 4 Conservative No votes vs 353 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 353 Noes - 270
Simon Hoare voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Conservative No votes vs 355 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 355 Noes - 267
Simon Hoare voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 3 Conservative No votes vs 346 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 357 Noes - 268
Simon Hoare voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 6 Conservative No votes vs 330 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 331 Noes - 272
Simon Hoare voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Conservative No votes vs 345 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 347 Noes - 212
Simon Hoare voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 14 Conservative No votes vs 327 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 332 Noes - 279
Simon Hoare voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Conservative No votes vs 342 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 344 Noes - 206
Simon Hoare voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Conservative Aye votes vs 342 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 256 Noes - 350
Simon Hoare voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Conservative Aye votes vs 341 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 264 Noes - 342
Simon Hoare voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 12 Conservative Aye votes vs 323 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 263 Noes - 326
Simon Hoare voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 2 Conservative Aye votes vs 335 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 251 Noes - 337
Simon Hoare voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Conservative Aye votes vs 335 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 244 Noes - 345
Simon Hoare voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 16 Conservative Aye votes vs 316 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 262 Noes - 323
Simon Hoare voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 22 Conservative Aye votes vs 326 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 277 Noes - 328
Simon Hoare voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 22 Conservative No votes vs 265 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 268 Noes - 204
Simon Hoare voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 13 Conservative No votes vs 247 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 250 Noes - 232
Simon Hoare voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 15 Conservative Aye votes vs 289 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 251 Noes - 296
Simon Hoare voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 2 Conservative Aye votes vs 306 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 235 Noes - 313
Debates during the 2019 Parliament
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
Sparring Partners
(9 debate interactions)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
(8 debate interactions)
Department Debates
(26 debate contributions)
(22 debate contributions)
(20 debate contributions)
(11 debate contributions)
Legislation Debates
(4,006 words contributed)
(3,126 words contributed)
(2,945 words contributed)
(2,779 words contributed)
North Dorset Petitions
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
of 108,235 signatures (0.28%)
of 108,367 signatures (0.27%)
of 38,619 signatures (0.26%)
of 102,709 signatures (0.26%)
of 110,286 signatures (0.25%)
of 228,834 signatures (0.14%)
of 108,235 signatures (0.28%)
of 108,367 signatures (0.27%)
of 110,286 signatures (0.25%)
of 102,709 signatures (0.26%)
Latest EDMs signed by Simon Hoare
Conduct of councillors towards town and parish council clerks
Tabled by: Julian Lewis (Conservative - New Forest East)That this House notes with deep concern convincing evidence collected by the Association of Local Council Clerks showing that, far from being untypical, the toxic behaviour by Parish Councillors in Cheshire exposed online in December 2020, is endemic in a significant minority of Town and Parish Councils; deplores the departure …
(Most recent: 27 Jan 2022)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 4
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
Labour: 2
Liberal Democrat: 2
Award of the George Cross to the NHS
Tabled by: Simon Hoare (Conservative - North Dorset)That this House believes that the George Cross should be awarded to the National Health Service in recognition of its heroic role during the covid-19 pandemic; and urges the Government to make that award.
(Most recent: 25 Jan 2021)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 5
Liberal Democrat: 3
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
Labour: 1
Commons initiatives
These initiatives were driven by Simon Hoare, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.
Simon Hoare has not been granted any Urgent Questions
Simon Hoare has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
1 Bill introduced by Simon Hoare
Friday 4th December 2015
Simon Hoare has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting
74 Written Questions in the current parliament
(View all written questions)Article 15(2) of the Northern Ireland Protocol establishes that the Joint Consultative Working Group shall be composed of representatives of the United Kingdom and the European Union. The Government has committed to including representatives of the Northern Ireland Executive as part of the UK delegation to meetings. The JCWG briefly convened for a very short period on 29 January to adopt the Rules of Procedure. This was not a full meeting so was attended by limited delegations of only three officials from each side.
The Rules of Procedure adopted by that Working Group were those included as an Annex to the EU’s Council Decision 2020/1599 adopted on 23 October 2020; and no amendments were made.
The Working Group will continue to meet at dates decided by the co-chairs.
Minister of State (Department for International Trade)
Article 15(2) of the Northern Ireland Protocol establishes that the Joint Consultative Working Group shall be composed of representatives of the United Kingdom and the European Union. The Government has committed to including representatives of the Northern Ireland Executive as part of the UK delegation to meetings. The JCWG briefly convened for a very short period on 29 January to adopt the Rules of Procedure. This was not a full meeting so was attended by limited delegations of only three officials from each side.
The Rules of Procedure adopted by that Working Group were those included as an Annex to the EU’s Council Decision 2020/1599 adopted on 23 October 2020; and no amendments were made.
The Working Group will continue to meet at dates decided by the co-chairs.
Minister of State (Department for International Trade)
As the Command Paper underlines, the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs will engage in a rapid exercise to identify the authorised traders able to draw on the grace period from official certification for products of animal origin, composite products, food and feed of non-animal origin and plants and plant products. The Government will not discriminate against smaller suppliers or between different companies in implementing these practical measures. This list will be in place by the end of the year.
Minister of State (Department for International Trade)
The Alternative Arrangements Technical Advisory Group met on the 20th June, 17th July and 12th September 2019.
The Alternative Arrangements Business and Trade Union Advisory Group met on 26th June, 10th July and 29th August 2019.
The new Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland in the Withdrawal Agreement which was agreed with the EU on the 17th October 2019 and ratified by the UK on the 23rd January 2020 ensures the whole of the UK will be a single customs territory outside the EU Customs Union. It replaces the backstop provisions of the previous Withdrawal Agreement.
Minister of State (Department for International Trade)
The Alternative Arrangements Technical Advisory Group met on the 20th June, 17th July and 12th September 2019.
The Alternative Arrangements Business and Trade Union Advisory Group met on 26th June, 10th July and 29th August 2019.
The new Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland in the Withdrawal Agreement which was agreed with the EU on the 17th October 2019 and ratified by the UK on the 23rd January 2020 ensures the whole of the UK will be a single customs territory outside the EU Customs Union. It replaces the backstop provisions of the previous Withdrawal Agreement.
Minister of State (Department for International Trade)
1 Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Questions
(View all Simon Hoare's DCMS questions)The CJEU Judgement of 6 October 2020 relates to a previous power, Section 94 Directions under the Telecommunications Act 1984, that has since been replaced by provisions in the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA). The IPA sets strict requirements of necessity and proportionality for the use of these powers, and provides significant safeguards and independent oversight. All warrants permitting the use of these powers are subject to the ‘double lock’ safeguard requiring that an independent Judicial Commissioner approve the Secretary of State’s decision before the warrant is issued. This ‘double lock’ ensures that the UK has one of the strongest oversight regimes anywhere in the world.
The Judgment will now be referred back to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal for interpretation for domestic law purposes.
The UK is committed to maintaining high data protection standards for personal data, and we will continue to be a global leader in ensuring personal data is properly protected.
The consultation on clarifying the specific grant and ring-fenced status of the Dedicated Schools Grant concluded on 15 November. The Department is currently considering the responses received, and the Department’s response to the consultation will be published in due course.
6 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Questions
(View all Simon Hoare's Defra questions)The EU carried out a routine audit of various Border Control Posts in Northern Ireland from 21 to 30 June 2021. The purpose of the audit was to examine the system of official controls on the entry of animals and products of animal origin into Northern Ireland and verification of the compliance of border control posts in Northern Ireland with European Union requirements.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The UK Timber Regulations are not currently under review. We have, however, committed in the Clean Growth Strategy and the 25 Year Environment Plan to increase the use of timber in construction, identifying it as key measure in encouraging commercial forestry. Our England Trees Action Plan includes measures to encourage both supply and demand for UK grown timber, including our commitment to increase public demand for sustainably sourced timber through procurement policies.We committed in the Clean Growth Strategy and the 25 Year Environment Plan to increase the use of timber in construction, identifying it as key measure in encouraging commercial forestry. Our England Trees Action Plan includes measures to encourage both supply and demand for UK grown timber, including our commitment to increase public demand for sustainably sourced timber through procurement policies.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Decisions on the construction of Border Control Posts are a matter for the Northern Ireland Executive.
Defra officials continue to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive to comply with international obligations and give effect to the Protocol in a pragmatic and proportionate way, minimising impacts on the everyday lives of people in Northern Ireland, in line with its fundamental purpose.
The agri-food processes required under the Protocol continue to be discharged using the interim facilities that have been in place since 1 January.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The Government has decided that the vaccine delivery plan should prioritise preventing mortality, by directly protecting those most at risk of death and hospitalisation. With this direction, the Joint Committee for Vaccines and Immunisation (JVCI) has been tasked with putting forward advice on prioritisation. This will carefully consider the arguments for prioritising sectors within the overall goal around health outcomes. We will ensure Defra sectors, including food production workers, are fully considered in this process.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The revised National Action Plan for the Sustainable use of Pesticides (NAP) will be published for public consultation later this year. In line with the 25 Year Environment Plan, the NAP will put Integrated Pest Management at the heart of the Government’s approach to promote alternative techniques to protect crops, including physical, biological and other non-chemical methods. Through the NAP we aim to minimise pesticide use and reduce risks to human health and the environment while ensuring that farmers can protect their crops.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
I refer my hon. Friend for North Dorset to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Harrow West on 25th May, UIN 2866.
Minister of State (Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)
The scoping assessment for a UK-Australia agreement, published back in June 2020, assessed the potential impact on Australian exports to the UK under an illustrative scenario of a tariff-free trade agreement between the UK and Australia. It does not include an assessment of the effects of changes to the UK’s trading relationship with Australia’s main export markets.
Following the conclusion of negotiations, a full impact assessment will be published prior to implementation.
Minister of State (Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)
The Board is chaired by my Rt Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board. She is its only standing member. The list of advisers to the Board of Trade is available on GOV.UK.
Regarding Trade Envoys, I refer my Honourable Friend to the answer given to Sir Christopher Chope by my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Chelsea and Fulham (Greg Hands) on 9th November 2020, UIN: 111412.
The Board is chaired by the Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board - its only standing member. The Board is also served by a Deputy President (currently Marcus Fysh MP) supported by a selection of advisers invited to offer views on trade and investment. Advisers represent businesses from across the UK and are crucial links into UK business sharing their specific expertise, sectoral and local knowledge.
a) 2018: Met four times: 29 March; 17 May; 6 September; and 15 November.
b) 2019: Met twice: 28 February and 16 May.
c) 2020: No meetings thus far.
The government is committed to upgrading our infrastructure, and officials are looking at a range of options to level up the country and support growth and productivity in every region.
We will set out more details on our plans to increase investment in infrastructure later this year.
The government is committed to upgrading our infrastructure, and officials are looking at a range of options to level up the country and support growth and productivity in every region.
We will set out more details on our plans to increase investment in infrastructure later this year.
The Department will set out its position when it responds to the Transport Select Committee report on pavement parking once a new committee has been formed.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)
Northern Ireland, Great Britain and Treasury government officials are working together on how payments from the scheme should be treated in Northern Ireland. Once that situation is clarified, then treatment of the payments in Great Britain can be decided upon.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
The Housing Benefit, Pension Credit and Universal Credit schemes in Northern Ireland are matters for the Northern Ireland Assembly.
With regard to Great Britain, currently, payments made from the scheme would be treated as capital sums, with those sums taken into account in the calculation of all of the benefits mentioned above.
Northern Ireland, Great Britain and Treasury officials are working together on how payments from the scheme should be treated in Northern Ireland.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
The Department regularly receives notifications of discontinuations and possible discontinuations from suppliers. However, we are unable to provide the information requested as it is commercially sensitive.
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
Information on how much of the £1 billion Elective Recovery Fund has been allocated to each National Health Service region and elective service in England is not held centrally, as it will not be distributed through set allocations. As set out in NHS Planning Guidance for 2021-22, systems are asked to deliver activity levels above set thresholds in order to access this additional funding.
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
Information on how much of the £1 billion Elective Recovery Fund has been allocated to each National Health Service region and elective service in England is not held centrally, as it will not be distributed through set allocations. As set out in NHS Planning Guidance for 2021-22, systems are asked to deliver activity levels above set thresholds in order to access this additional funding.
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is the independent expert advisory committee which advises the Government on vaccination. The JCVI reviewed data on COVID-19 mortality from OpenSAFELY, QCOVID and Public Health England (PHE). This included the PHE report on mortality in people with learning disabilities.
After consideration of the evidence, the JCVI advised that people with severe and profound learning disabilities and Down’s syndrome should be offered vaccination in the first phase of the programme.
Secretary of State for Education
In July 2020, the National Health Service launched the ‘Your COVID Recovery’ service to support the recovery of people who have been in hospital or suffered at home with the virus. This is a two-phase endeavour with phase one being available as an open, publicly available site containing general information on all aspects of recovering from COVID-19, including physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing. Over 100,000 people have used the online service since it was launched in July.
On 7 October the NHS announced £10 million is be invested this year to help kick start and designate ‘long COVID-19’ clinics that will be available to all patients in England. Alongside this, new guidance has been commissioned by NHS England from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on the clinical case definition of ‘long COVID-19’. This will include patients who have had COVID-19 who may not have had a hospital admission or a previous positive test. It will be followed by evidence-based NICE clinical guidelines that will outline the support that ‘long COVID-19’ patients should receive, enabling NHS doctors, therapists and staff to provide a clear and personalised treatment plan. This will include education materials for general practitioners and other health professionals to help them refer and signpost patients to the right support.
Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
The Government set out its position on Mr Shawcross's report on compensation for UK victims of Qadhafi-sponsored IRA terrorism in a Written Ministerial Statement made on 23 March. The Written Ministerial Statement notes the clear practical difficulties in obtaining compensation from Libya for Qadhafi-sponsored IRA terrorism, and that the conflict, political instability and economic instability that have prevailed in Libya for most of the last ten years since the fall of the Qadhafi regime present particular challenges. Nonetheless, the UK has consistently pressed the Libyan authorities to address the Libyan State's historic responsibility for the Qadhafi regime's support for the IRA, and will continue to do so.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Mr Shawcross, supported by a senior adviser and acting in an independent capacity, produced an internal scoping report on the subject of compensation for UK victims of Qadhafi-sponsored IRA terrorism. Mr Shawcross and his senior adviser were appointed within Government guidelines for Ministerial appointments and specialist contractors. The FCDO provided secretariat and logistical support.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Mr Shawcross was commissioned to write an internal scoping report on the subject of compensation for UK victims of Qadhafi-sponsored IRA terrorism. Ministers across Government are carefully considering Mr Shawcross's report in order to do justice to the important and sensitive issues it covers, giving due respect to victims.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Mr Shawcross was commissioned to write an internal scoping report on the subject of compensation for UK victims of Qadhafi-sponsored IRA terrorism. Ministers across Government are carefully considering Mr Shawcross's report in order to do justice to the important and sensitive issues it covers, giving due respect to victims.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Mr Shawcross was commissioned in 2019 to produce an internal scoping report on the issue of compensation for UK victims of Qadhafi-sponsored IRA terrorism.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK is committed to supporting the victims of Libyan-sponsored IRA terrorism. That is why in March 2019 the former Foreign Secretary appointed William Shawcross as the UK's Special Representative on UK victims of Qadhafi-sponsored IRA terrorism. Mr Shawcross has now submitted his report. Ministers will consider the report in detail once the current need to focus on the Covid-19 crisis has abated.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
At the end of the transition period, the VAT rules for the place of supply of services, including the use and enjoyment rules, were amended to reflect that the UK is not part of the EU Single Market. The use and enjoyment rules for the short term hire and leasing of vehicles ensure that UK VAT is due when the vehicles are effectively being used in the UK.
The Government has committed to a tariff reimbursement scheme in the NI Command Papers and work continues to develop the scheme. Once the scheme is live, it will enable traders to be reimbursed where they are unable to draw upon the alternative mechanisms to remove tariffs, but can demonstrate after goods have moved into Northern Ireland that they have not entered and will not enter the EU. Further details of the tariff reimbursement scheme and the evidence that will be required for traders to make a claim will be set out in due course. Once arrangements are finalised, the Government will ensure they are well signposted to businesses.
The Trader Support Service (TSS) has been established to provide education and guidance and to submit declarations on behalf of traders operating under the NI Protocol. This service is live, operating well and TSS is implementing improvements regularly based on customer feedback.
Alongside the TSS, the Government has introduced the UK Trader Scheme (UKTS) for authorised traders to be able to declare goods ‘not at risk’. In order to qualify for full authorisation for the UKTS, traders need to meet certain conditions, including that they are established in Northern Ireland. Where not established, they must have a fixed place of business in Northern Ireland, carry out their customs elsewhere in the UK and have an indirect customs representative (such as the TSS).
However, the Government has also introduced a temporary easement for traders who are not established in Northern Ireland, or who do not have a fixed place of business in Northern Ireland; the Government is aware that this is the case for some GB-based businesses providing vehicle rental and leasing services in Northern Ireland. The easement is designed to assist businesses while they make preparations to meet the full requirements in cases where the trader delivers to fixed places of business in Northern Ireland from where goods are sold to or used by end consumers in Northern Ireland. In order to be authorised for the UKTS until 1 November 2021, the trader must still carry out customs operations elsewhere in the UK and have an indirect customs representative established in Northern Ireland. Further guidance on the easement is available on GOV.UK. HMRC continue to work with businesses to improve this process based on their feedback.
My department is aware of the situation regarding Northern Ireland Historic Abuse Payments and how they are treated within the benefit system.
Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
As part of the New Decade, New Approach agreement, the UK Government agreed to provide financial support of £2 billion to the Northern Ireland Executive. £30 million of resource funding was provided in the current financial year. Further details, including the levels of funding in future financial years and the resource and capital split, will be provided in due course.
Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
The Home Office publishes UK data on renunciations of British Nationality in the ‘Immigration Statistics Quarterly Release’.
Data on grants and refusals for renunciations of British Nationality are published in table Cit_05 of the Citizenship summary tables, year ending December 2020 (publishing.service.gov.uk) dataset. The latest data relates to year ending December 2020.
The Home Office does not hold data on renunciations of British Nationality by location or country of residence, and so a breakdown of the data is not available for separate nations of the UK.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
7 Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Questions
(View all Simon Hoare's DLUHC questions)The Devolution White Paper to be published this Autumn will set out our transformative plans for economic recovery and renewal, and for levelling up opportunity, prosperity, and well-being across the country. These plans will include restructuring our local institutions to deliver these outcomes, establishing more mayors and more unitary councils the populations of which will depend on local circumstances but as a rule of thumb are expected to be substantially in excess of 300k-400k. Under current legislation it is open to the Secretary of State, subject to consultation and Parliamentary approval, to implement if he thinks fit any unitary proposal submitted by a council in response to an invitation which any council may request. In considering a unitary proposal the Secretary of State expects to have regard to the extent it is likely to support the delivery of the outcomes sought in the White Paper.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
The Devolution White Paper to be published this Autumn will set out our transformative plans for economic recovery and renewal, and for levelling up opportunity, prosperity, and well-being across the country. These plans will include restructuring our local institutions to deliver these outcomes, establishing more mayors and more unitary councils the populations of which will depend on local circumstances but as a rule of thumb are expected to be substantially in excess of 300k-400k. Under current legislation it is open to the Secretary of State, subject to consultation and Parliamentary approval, to implement if he thinks fit any unitary proposal submitted by a council in response to an invitation which any council may request. In considering a unitary proposal the Secretary of State expects to have regard to the extent it is likely to support the delivery of the outcomes sought in the White Paper.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
The Devolution White Paper to be published this Autumn will set out our transformative plans for economic recovery and renewal, and for levelling up opportunity, prosperity, and well-being across the country. These plans will include restructuring our local institutions to deliver these outcomes, establishing more mayors and more unitary councils the populations of which will depend on local circumstances but as a rule of thumb are expected to be substantially in excess of 300k-400k. Under current legislation it is open to the Secretary of State, subject to consultation and Parliamentary approval, to implement if he thinks fit any unitary proposal submitted by a council in response to an invitation which any council may request. In considering a unitary proposal the Secretary of State expects to have regard to the extent it is likely to support the delivery of the outcomes sought in the White Paper.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
The Devolution White Paper to be published this Autumn will set out our transformative plans for economic recovery and renewal, and for levelling up opportunity, prosperity, and well-being across the country. These plans will include restructuring our local institutions to deliver these outcomes, establishing more mayors and more unitary councils the populations of which will depend on local circumstances but as a rule of thumb are expected to be substantially in excess of 300k-400k. Under current legislation it is open to the Secretary of State, subject to consultation and Parliamentary approval, to implement if he thinks fit any unitary proposal submitted by a council in response to an invitation which any council may request. In considering a unitary proposal the Secretary of State expects to have regard to the extent it is likely to support the delivery of the outcomes sought in the White Paper.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
The Devolution White Paper will set out our transformative plans for economic recovery and renewal, and for levelling up opportunity, prosperity, and well-being across the country, including what this means for the geography of local institutions and local service providers.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
The Government recognises that local authority owned public toilets are valuable community amenities. However, primary legislation would be required to provide business rates relief for public toilets owned by principal local authorities and parish councils, as such bodies cannot currently have their rates bills reduced through reliefs. The Non-Domestic Rating (Lavatories) Bill, which would have resolved this matter, fell when Parliament was dissolved. The Government will consider reintroducing the measure in due course.
The Northern Ireland Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
Minister of State (Northern Ireland Office)
It is clear that the current system for dealing with the legacy of the past is not working for anyone. It is failing to bring satisfactory outcomes for families, placing a heavy burden on the criminal justice system, and leaving society in Northern Ireland hamstrung by its past.
This is why the UK Government - along with the Irish Government - has begun a process of intensive engagement with the Northern Ireland parties and all relevant stakeholders and civil society, including victims groups, with a view to making progress on this issue as soon as possible.
The UK Government has committed to bringing forward proposals, and to introducing legislation to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, as soon as possible.
Minister of State (Education)
The Government has introduced significant and robust protections as part of the UK Internal Market Act. This enables “qualifying” goods to continue to be placed on the whole UK market and prohibits checks and controls as goods move from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK. To ensure these measures were in place from 1 January and to avoid disruption, this approach provides protection to all goods in free circulation in Northern Ireland.
The Government is developing a longer-lasting regime in discussion with Northern Ireland business. As we have done more broadly, it is right to take sensible, practical steps to phase in our approach in a way that is supported by business.
Minister of State (Education)
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and officials from the Northern Ireland Office regularly meet representatives from civic society, including victims groups, community representatives, religious leaders and individuals from across academia and the peace and reconciliation sector. Engagement on the subject of legacy is ongoing.
The Government is committed to publishing details of ministers’ meetings with external organisations on a quarterly basis. Publications for the Northern Ireland Office can be found on Gov.UK.
Minister of State (Education)
In the Spring, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and officials met a number of victims groups and other key stakeholders to discuss legacy issues. Following these discussions, it was clear that the full and sensitive engagement required on this difficult subject would be difficult to deliver effectively while the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic were ongoing.
Notwithstanding this, a degree of engagement has and continues to take place where possible. The Secretary of State remains committed to engaging with all parts of the community in Northern Ireland, including victims groups, in order to make progress on legacy issues.
Minister of State (Education)
The Government has been clear that it will bring forward legislation to address the legacy of the Troubles in a way that focuses on reconciliation, delivers for victims, and ends the cycle of investigations, which has failed victims and veterans alike.
We have also made clear our commitment to working with all parts of the community in Northern Ireland as part of this process. While the challenging circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic have had an impact on our ability to engage effectively and sensitively, we remain determined to make progress on legacy issues as quickly as possible.
Minister of State (Education)
The Fiscal Council is an important new part of the governance of Northern Ireland. It has the potential to make a huge contribution to fiscal sustainability in Northern Ireland over the long-term and strengthen Northern Ireland’s fiscal performance. The Northern Ireland Department of Finance is leading on developing the Terms of Reference for the Fiscal Council. The Northern Ireland Finance Minister has recently updated the Assembly that his department is now actively refocusing on this issue.
In his engagement with Executive ministers, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has consistently emphasised the need to press ahead with an Independent Fiscal Council as a priority in his regular communications with members of the Executive and at both previous meetings of the Joint Board.
The UK Government will continue to work with the Northern Ireland Executive to agree terms of reference that reflect our joint ambitions for this new institution and get it up and running as soon as possible.
Minister of State (Education)
The Government is committed to publishing details of ministers’ meetings with external organisations, including those listed, on a quarterly basis. Publications for the Northern Ireland Office can be found on Gov.UK.
Minister of State (Education)
Ministers and officials regularly meet with counterparts in the Irish Government to discuss a range of issues, including legacy.
The Secretary of State and officials from the Northern Ireland Office last met with the Irish Government’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and his officials on 8th October 2020.
The UK Government remains committed to making progress on legacy issues, and engaging with the Irish Government, as well as the Northern Ireland parties and key stakeholders, on the way forward as quickly as possible.
Minister of State (Education)
Since March, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and officials from the Northern Ireland Office have met with various community groups, including victim support groups, religious leaders and groups from across academia and civic society.
Despite the challenging circumstances presented by the ongoing Covid-19 situation, engagement continued throughout the summer months and continues to take place.
The UK Government remains committed to making progress on legacy issues, and recognises the importance of working with all parts of the community in Northern Ireland as part of this process.
Minister of State (Education)
Appointments to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland are made on merit following an open and transparent process regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA). All stages of the process are overseen by an independent panel member. In order to reach potentially under-represented groups, the appointments for which the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is responsible are advertised widely online, in the local press in Northern Ireland and promoted through stakeholder networks. In addition, as part of the Northern Ireland Office’s commitments under the Disability Confident Scheme, a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for the job are invited to interview.
Minister of State (Education)
Appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission are made on merit following an open and transparent process regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA). All stages of the process are overseen by an independent panel member. In order to reach potentially under-represented groups, the appointments for which the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is responsible are advertised widely online, in the local press in Northern Ireland and promoted through stakeholder networks. In addition, as part of the Northern Ireland Office’s commitments under the Disability Confident Scheme, a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for the job are invited to interview.
Minister of State (Education)
Appointments to the Parades Commission of Northern Ireland are made on merit following an open and transparent process regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA). All stages of the process are overseen by an independent panel member. In order to reach potentially under-represented groups, the appointments for which the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is responsible are advertised widely online, in the local press in Northern Ireland and promoted through stakeholder networks. In addition, as part of the Northern Ireland Office’s commitments under the Disability Confident Scheme, a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for the job are invited to interview.
Minister of State (Education)
The Government has been clear that it will bring forward legislation to address the legacy of the troubles which focuses on reconciliation, delivers for victims, and ensures that Northern Ireland veterans are treated as fairly as those who served overseas. We are committed to making progress on this as quickly as possible.
Minister of State (Education)
The UK Government remains committed to making progress on legacy issues, and engaging with the Irish Government, the Northern Ireland parties and victims groups on the way forward, as quickly as possible. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland recognises the importance of working with all parts of the community in Northern Ireland as part of this process.
Minister of State (Education)
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland spoke to the Irish Government and all party leaders before the Government’s Written Ministerial Statement was published on 18 March. Engagement has also taken place with the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland parties since 18 March.
Minister of State (Education)
I refer the hon Gentleman to the answer I gave on 8 July 2020 (UIN 68732).
Minister of State (Education)
Since the Written Statement of 18 March 2020, HCWS168, Addressing Northern Ireland Legacy Issues, the department has undertaken a number of engagements with groups funded under the Victims and Survivors Service’s Victims Support Programme, at both ministerial and official level. The department has also engaged with the Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, the Victims and Survivors Service Board, and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, as well as a range of individuals from across civic society and academia. Engagement has also taken place with the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland parties.
The UK Government remains committed to making progress on legacy issues as quickly as possible, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland recognises the importance of engaging with stakeholders, including victims groups, who represent all parts of the community in Northern Ireland as part of this process.
Minister of State (Education)
The ‘New Decade New Approach’ deal was tabled at talks between the Northern Ireland political parties which resulted in the formation of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly on 11 January 2020. As part of ‘New Decade, New Approach’, the UK Government committed to introducing legislation within 100 days.
The Government is committed to introducing legislation which provides reconciliation for victims and greater certainty for veterans and will set out further detail about this legislation shortly.
Minister of State (Education)
The Government is committed to reforming the current legacy system in Northern Ireland in a way which provides reconciliation for victims and greater certainty for veterans. We are working across government and in the context of consultation responses to develop the Stormont House Agreement proposals, and will provide further details about this legislation as soon as we are able to.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Government is committed to reforming the current legacy system in Northern Ireland in a way which provides reconciliation for victims and greater certainty for veterans. We are working across government and in the context of consultation responses to develop the Stormont House Agreement proposals, and will provide further details about this legislation as soon as we are able to.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
As set out in the New Decade, New Approach deal, the Government will ensure that representatives from the Northern Ireland Executive are invited to be part of the UK delegation in any meetings of the UK-EU Specialised or Joint Committees discussing Northern Ireland specific matters which are also being attended by the Irish Government as part of the European Union’s delegation.
The UK Government is continuing to work through the exact details of this arrangement and will work with the Northern Ireland Executive to define this in the proper way.
Minister of State (Education)
The Government is continuing to work through the details of how the Joint Committee and subordinate Specialised Committee on Ireland/Northern Ireland and Joint Consultative Working Group will operate. This includes the delegations at these fora.
Minister of State (Education)
The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland is underpinned by the right of Northern Ireland to withdraw its consent from the continued application of EU law.
The detail of this arrangement is set out in the Government’s Unilateral Declaration of 17 October 2019. This sets out that the first consent decision will be taken in the two months before the end of the first four-year period after the end of the implementation period.
If the Assembly votes by simple majority against continued alignment, then Northern Ireland’s alignment with EU law will come to an end two years later. If the Assembly votes in favour of continued alignment, then Northern Ireland’s alignment with EU law will continue.
If this decision is made on the basis of a simple majority, a further consent decision will be required within four years. If the decision is made on the basis of cross-community support, a further consent process will be required within eight years.
Arrangements for the implementation of this arrangement will be set out in due course.
Minister of State (Education)