Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Prime Minister will participate in direct talks with the local political parties in Northern Ireland before 28 October.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has met and continues to meet all the Parties in the Executive. This will continue in advance of 28 October.

The Secretary of State has made clear that there is no reason not to have a fully functioning Executive. The Government continues to urge the parties to form an Executive before the deadline of 28 October when the Secretary of State will fall under a duty to call a fresh election.