Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the Northern Ireland Executive about the extension of the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill to Northern Ireland.

The Government have decided to extend the territorial extent of the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill to Northern Ireland.

This is the right choice as the Northern Ireland Assembly faces significant and unique challenges to delivering the necessary legislation at an expedited pace following its recent restoration and its public consultation requirements. These challenges posed the risk of a significant delay to justice for postmasters in Northern Ireland.

My hon. friend, the Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business recently met the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Justice Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive to discuss these matters.