Northern Ireland Office

Strong transport connections are vital to strengthen links between communities and allow business to grow. I welcome the publication of the Rail Project Priorisation Strategy in December. Improved infrastructure in Northern Ireland will help support the Executive’s plans for economic growth and enable people to get to where they need to be.

As transport, including railways, are devolved it is for the Northern Ireland Executive to determine their infrastructure investment priorities, within the record funding settlement for Northern Ireland announced by the Chancellor at the spending review.

I meet regularly with the First Minister and deputy First Minister to discuss a range of issues, including trade.

I also chaired the East-West Council on 22 January 2026, attended by both the First Minister and deputy First Minister, which included a discussion of the £16.6 million provided to Northern Ireland via the Internal Market Package, to support East-West trade; and, an update on the work of Intertrade UK and the £2.25 million funding it received in the budget.

I meet regularly with the First Minister and deputy First Minister to discuss a range of issues, including trade.

I also chaired the East-West Council on 22 January 2026, attended by both the First Minister and deputy First Minister, which included a discussion of the £16.6 million provided to Northern Ireland via the Internal Market Package, to support East-West trade; and, an update on the work of Intertrade UK and the £2.25 million funding it received in the budget.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the First Minister and deputy First Minister, on a wide range of priorities.

While health is a devolved matter, the Government is committed to supporting the Executive to deliver sustainable, high-quality, and accessible public services for the people of Northern Ireland. I welcome the progress made under the Health Minister's Reset Plan, which has already produced some tangible results, including significant reductions in waiting lists and the successful rollout of the Encompass digital record system.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the First Minister and deputy First Minister, on a wide range of priorities.

While health is a devolved matter, the Government is committed to supporting the Executive to deliver sustainable, high-quality, and accessible public services for the people of Northern Ireland. I welcome the progress made under the Health Minister's Reset Plan, which has already produced some tangible results, including significant reductions in waiting lists and the successful rollout of the Encompass digital record system.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the First Minister and deputy First Minister, on a wide range of priorities.

Transport is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland and the responsibility of the Executive’s Infrastructure Minister.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the First Minister and deputy First Minister, on a wide range of priorities.

Transport is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland and the responsibility of the Executive’s Infrastructure Minister.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the First Minister and deputy First Minister, on a wide range of priorities.

The environment is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland and the responsibility of the Executive’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the First Minister and deputy First Minister, on a wide range of priorities.

The environment is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland and the responsibility of the Executive’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

I have met with Eakin Healthcare in Comber, The Exact Group in Newry and Lakeland Dairies in Newtownards.

I have met with Wilson’s Country in Portadown.

Minister Patrick has met with Mallaghan Engineering in Dungannon to discuss their apprenticeship programme.

I have met with Deloitte, Belfast Harbour, Leckey, Camlin, as well as PRM Group, Thales, Studio Ulster, and Stena Line. Additionally, I have regular engagement with Institute of Directors NI, Federation of Small Businesses NI, NI Chamber, Belfast Chamber and NIBBWG on matters relating to business across Northern Ireland.

I have met with Alchemy Technology Services, Derry-Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and Foyle Port.

I met with the Chair of Intertrade UK, Baroness Foster, last month at the East-West Council to hear an update on the Board’s work to date and its future plans.

I have also engaged directly with Intertrade UK on the advice they have submitted to me on issues affecting UK internal market trade. This has included the Windsor Framework, veterinary medicines, vehicle type approvals and customs arrangements.

I look forward to engaging with the Board further as they continue to implement their work programme.

I recently hosted the East West Council in Belfast where the Minister for Early Years noted the significant collaboration between all four nations of the UK to support the National Year of Reading.

Education is a devolved matter and is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive. Decisions about the National Year of Reading in Northern Ireland are for the Northern Ireland Education Minister.

This Government remains committed to working with partners across the United Kingdom to collaborate to share best practices and I look forward to seeing how this great initiative progresses throughout the year.

I recently hosted the East West Council in Belfast where the Minister for Early Years noted the significant collaboration between all four nations of the UK to support the National Year of Reading.

Education is a devolved matter and is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive. Decisions about the National Year of Reading in Northern Ireland are for the Northern Ireland Education Minister.

This Government remains committed to working with partners across the United Kingdom to collaborate to share best practices and I look forward to seeing how this great initiative progresses throughout the year.

The Government does not hold all of the specific information that has been requested.

We understand that, between 1 January 2012 and December 2024, 68 cases for potential prosecution were considered in Northern Ireland in relation to Troubles-related cases, of which there were 25 decisions to prosecute. 6 of these decisions relate to cases that fall within the military category. None related to cases that fall within the police category.

Within that period, there has been one successful prosecution of a soldier in 2022, which was for manslaughter. That individual was given a suspended sentence.

While ongoing prosecutions are a matter for the relevant independent prosecution service, it is the Government’s understanding that there are now nine ongoing Troubles-related prosecutions in Northern Ireland. Of those nine prosecutions, one falls in the former police category, and one in the military category.

We understand that figures relating to 1998-2012 are not available. Any further queries should be directed to the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland or the Crown Prosecution Service as relevant.

The Government does not hold all of the specific information that has been requested.

We understand that, between 1 January 2012 and December 2024, 68 cases for potential prosecution were considered in Northern Ireland in relation to Troubles-related cases, of which there were 25 decisions to prosecute. 6 of these decisions relate to cases that fall within the military category.

While ongoing prosecutions are a matter for the relevant independent prosecution service, it is the Government’s understanding that there are now nine ongoing Troubles-related prosecutions in Northern Ireland. Of those nine prosecutions, one falls in the military category.

We understand that figures relating to 1998-2012 are not available. Any further queries should be directed to the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland or the Crown Prosecution Service as relevant.

The Government does not hold the specific information that has been requested.

Any further queries should be directed to the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland or the Crown Prosecution Service as relevant.

We are not aware of any such restrictions or obligations for human medicines or other scientific testing, although any such proposal would need to be considered based on its specific details. For human medicines, it is already an expectation across the UK to demonstrate that non-animal testing has been used where possible. For veterinary medicines, the Government is also committed to phasing out the use of animals in testing where possible, although it may be required in some cases to ensure only safe and effective veterinary medicines are marketed, e.g. during the development of new veterinary medicines.

The Government does not hold all of the specific information that has been requested.

We understand that, between 1 January 2012 and December 2024, 68 cases for potential prosecution were considered in Northern Ireland in relation to Troubles-related cases, of which, there were 25 decisions to prosecute. 13 of these decisions relate to cases that fall within the republican category, 6 within the loyalist category, and 6 within the military category.

Where decisions have been taken to prosecute in Northern Ireland, there have been 6 convictions; 3 in the republican category, two in the loyalist category, and 1 in the military category, with that individual being given a suspended sentence.

We understand that figures relating to 1998-2012 are not available.

Information about Troubles-related prosecutions in England and Wales is a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service.

The Government does not hold all of the specific information that has been requested.

We understand that, between 1 January 2012 and December 2024, 68 cases for potential prosecution were considered in Northern Ireland in relation to Troubles-related cases, of which, there were 25 decisions to prosecute. 13 of these decisions relate to cases that fall within the republican category, 6 within the loyalist category, and 6 within the military category.

Where decisions have been taken to prosecute in Northern Ireland, there have been 6 convictions; 3 in the republican category, two in the loyalist category, and 1 in the military category, with that individual being given a suspended sentence.

We understand that figures relating to 1998-2012 are not available.

Information about Troubles-related prosecutions in England and Wales is a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service.

On Wednesday 28 January 2026, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland made the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 (Commencement No. 3) Regulations 2026, in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 10(2) and 10(3) of the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022. The commenced provisions came into force on 29 January 2026.

The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner's Office (NIVCO) is an independent entity, a status essential to its ability to operate effectively. To firmly establish this independence, a formal Management Statement was agreed between NIVCO and its sponsoring department, the Northern Ireland Office (NIO).

Food Security is a devolved matter. Ministers from all four nations discuss food system issues through the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. In addition, officials have regular engagement on a wide range of food security and resilience issues.

The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) does not offer payroll deductions for credit unions. However, the department offers financial wellbeing support and advice through the employee benefits package. The employee benefits package is provided to NIO staff by the Ministry of Justice and its contracted suppliers.

This information is publicly available at Appendix 4: Chronology of The Report of the Hallet Review: An Independent Review into the On the Runs Administrative Scheme, which can be found here.

Safeguarding is a devolved matter and the development of safeguarding policy and legislation is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive.

This Government remains committed to working with partners across the UK to ensure the safety and protection of children and adults at risk. It is right that the four nations continue to collaborate to share best practices and maintain professional alignment across the United Kingdom.

I meet regularly with the Secretary of State for Defence and other defence Ministers to discuss a range of issues, including how to ensure that our Operation Banner veterans are fairly treated through our new Legacy reforms.

On 22 January, the House approved the Remedial Order which will remove the conditional immunity for terrorists which was provided in the previous Government’s Legacy Act.

The Troubles Bill will establish a reformed, human rights compliant and wholly independent Legacy Commission which will carry out investigations and provide family reports.

Recognising the unique security situation in Northern Ireland, the UK Government makes contributions to the PSNI through Additional Security Funding. The aim of the funding is to enable the PSNI to tackle terrorist threats while ensuring day-to-day policing is not compromised, allowing them to continue keeping people safe.

This Government is providing the PSNI with £37.8 million in Additional Security Funding in the 2025/26 financial year, an increase from c£32m. The 2025 Spending Review confirmed the PSNI will be provided with £37.8 million in Additional Security Funding for each of the next 3 financial years.

The amount provided to the PSNI in Additional Security funding in each full financial year since 2011 is shown below:

Food banks are operated by independent charitable and community organisations. Social security, including welfare support, is a devolved matter for the Northern Ireland Executive.

The Government's Child Poverty Strategy includes measures such as lifting the two-child benefit cap, the Universal Credit deduction reforms and increasing the National Living Wage that will apply in Northern Ireland, so providing better support for low-income families.

Food banks are operated by independent charitable and community organisations. Social security, including welfare support, is a devolved matter for the Northern Ireland Executive.

The Government's Child Poverty Strategy includes measures such as lifting the two-child benefit cap, the Universal Credit deduction reforms and increasing the National Living Wage that will apply in Northern Ireland, so providing better support for low-income families.

The PSNI and UK security agencies continually assess the threat, risk and harm posed by paramilitary, terrorist and organised crime groups to inform the most appropriate operational response.

Rightly, any criminality or threats – by individuals or groups, loyalist or republican - will be investigated by the PSNI and those responsible will be brought before the courts.

I meet regularly with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues, including matters relating to the voluntary sector in Northern Ireland. Most recently, my officials have been working in partnership with the Grants Management Function of Cabinet Office for the delivery of the Northern Ireland Office Connect Fund, supporting the work of voluntary organisations in sectors directly affecting Northern Ireland communities and encouraging civic East-West collaboration across the UK.

I meet frequently with Northern Ireland Executive Ministers on a range of issues. Most recently, my officials and I have been working in partnership with the Northern Ireland Executive to design and deliver the Local Growth Fund in Northern Ireland. Additionally, at the East-West Council in Belfast earlier this month, we discussed how the Connect Fund is supporting the work of voluntary organisations in sectors directly affecting Northern Ireland communities and encouraging civic East-West collaboration across the UK. I acknowledge the excellent work of voluntary organisations and the important services that they provide for communities in Northern Ireland. I am committed to working with the Northern Ireland Executive to support the voluntary sector in Northern Ireland now and in the future.

Dual market access is a unique trading advantage that can attract further investment in Northern Ireland.

I meet a wide range of businesses in Northern Ireland - and recently visited the Camlin Group, Leckey and the Exact Group who all highlight dual market access as a source of competitive advantage for them.

As set out in the Government’s response to the Independent Review of the Windsor Framework, we are committed to ensuring that businesses can realise these benefits and are taking forward an enhanced ‘one stop shop’ business support service that will support Northern Ireland’s trade within the UK and with the EU markets.

Dual market access is a unique trading advantage that can attract further investment in Northern Ireland.

I meet a wide range of businesses in Northern Ireland - and recently visited the Camlin Group, Leckey and the Exact Group who all highlight dual market access as a source of competitive advantage for them.

As set out in the Government’s response to the Independent Review of the Windsor Framework, we are committed to ensuring that businesses can realise these benefits and are taking forward an enhanced ‘one stop shop’ business support service that will support Northern Ireland’s trade within the UK and with the EU markets.

The Northern Ireland Office; Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Northern Ireland Executive have worked to provide community and voluntary sector organisations with the certainty they need to plan for this year.

The RDEL element of the Local Growth Fund in 2026/27 will be split between economic inactivity provision delivery partners and Go Succeed, in the same proportion to funding received in 2025/26 under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This was agreed between the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive.

The record £19.3bn settlement for the Spending Review period - as well as the £370m announced at the Budget - provides the Northern Ireland Executive with the means to provide additional funding to support the voluntary and community sector, should they wish to do so.

Following the announcement of the Local Growth Fund in Northern Ireland at the Spending Review in June 2025, I have had regular engagement with the Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government, as well as Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive, as we continue to work in partnership on the design and delivery of the Fund.

I regularly engage with the Northern Ireland Executive on the importance of delivering good quality, accessible healthcare in Northern Ireland. As Health and Social Care, including dental services, is a devolved matter, the Northern Ireland Department of Health (DoH) is responsible for these services.

It is for the Northern Ireland Executive to set a budget for Departments, and for the Minister for Justice to allocate funding to the Police Service of Northern Ireland. The Government is providing the Executive with a record settlement over the Spending Review period, averaging £19.3bn per year. This is the largest in the history of devolution.

On 17 December 2025, the Northern Ireland Executive committed to providing £119m to the Department of Justice to fund the costs of the data breach.

Concerns about the implications of costs associated with the data breach should be raised via the existing mechanisms in the Department of Justice and the Department of Finance.

The Northern Ireland Office does not provide any direct financial support to the Minister for the Union.