Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps she has taken to support the Northern Ireland Policing Board since the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly; and if she will make a statement.

I have met with the Chair of the Policing Board, and have discussed this matter with the Chief Constable. Both are keen that political representation on the Policing Board should be restored as soon as possible to ensure proper governance and accountability. I have also raised this issue with party leaders. We are exploring with them, the Department of Justice and others what can be done in the absence of the Executive. This again demonstrates why it is so important that devolved government is restored so that local people can oversee local policing issues.