Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the current political stability in Northern Ireland.

The Covid pandemic has undeniably put new and difficult demands on the Northern Ireland Executive, as it has on political leaders everywhere. The UK Government commend those leaders working every day through very challenging circumstances, who continue to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland.

The UK Government works closely with Northern Ireland’s political leaders to support them in making the devolved institutions work, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has regularly been engaging with these political leaders over recent weeks during the period of unrest in Northern Ireland.

The UK Government encourage the Northern Ireland Executive to continue to demonstrate their collaborative leadership in supporting law and order and policing. It is also vital that further engagement with all sides of the community continues to help prevent further disorder. The only way to resolve differences is through dialogue.