Northern Ireland Political Institutions: Reform
Debate between Valerie Vaz and Paul Kohler(1 week ago)
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Mr Kohler
I do not know. I would like to hear from the hon. and learned Member for North Antrim. I am happy for him to intervene.
Retaining the current arrangements comes at a real cost, both socially and economically. Political deadlock has hindered reforms in health and social care, while the ongoing divisions drain public finances through duplicated services, higher policing costs and lost investment. Those pressures have been compounded by Brexit. Northern Ireland did not vote to leave the EU, yet the previous Conservative Government’s approach has created persistent problems along the border, in Stormont and across the economy—
Valerie Vaz (in the Chair)
Order. I am sorry to interrupt you, but I have to call the Opposition spokesperson now.