Asked by: Lord Eames (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government at what point in the discussions in Northern Ireland on the restoration of a devolved administration they will introduce direct rule from Westminster.
Answered by Lord Duncan of Springbank
The Government’s focus now is on the re-establishment of inclusive devolved government in Northern Ireland. This is clearly in line with what the people of Northern Ireland voted for in the Assembly elections in March 2017.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has been clear that if we do not see resolution shortly the UK Government will need to take some tough decisions in the coming months. This would include, but not be limited to, setting a budget in Northern Ireland, responding to the Reaney recommendations on MLA pay, considering the prospect of a further election and ultimately other arrangements.
Asked by: Lord Eames (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the failure of the political parties in Northern Ireland to reach an agreement on the restoration of a devolved administration, what assessment they have made of the introduction of direct rule for Northern Ireland.
Answered by Lord Duncan of Springbank
The Government’s focus now is on the re-establishment of inclusive devolved government in Northern Ireland. This is clearly in line with what the people of Northern Ireland voted for in the Assembly elections in March 2017.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has been clear that if we do not see resolution shortly the UK Government will need to take some tough decisions in the coming months. This would include, but not be limited to, setting a budget in Northern Ireland, responding to the Reaney recommendations on MLA pay, considering the prospect of a further election and ultimately other arrangements.
Asked by: Lord Eames (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to the introduction of an amnesty for crimes committed during the Northern Ireland Troubles.
Answered by Lord Duncan of Springbank
The Government has repeatedly made clear that we remain committed to the implementation of the legacy institutions in the Stormont House Agreement which provide the best way to address Northern Ireland’s past in a way that is fair, balanced and proportionate.
This Government has always held the view that amnesties are not the right approach and believes that justice should be pursued but acknowledges that others have different views on the best way forward.
We have a duty to victims and survivors to come forward with proposals to address the legacy of the past. The Government believes that the next phase is to consult publicly. A public consultation would provide everyone with an interest the opportunity to see the proposals and contribute to the discussion on the issues.
Asked by: Lord Eames (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their definition of a victim for the purpose of legacy issues arising out of the Northern Ireland Troubles.
Answered by Lord Duncan of Springbank
The definition of a victim is laid down in legislation (Victims and Survivors (NI) Order 2006) which is now the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Asked by: Lord Eames (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to deal with issues connected with the legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland should political parties there fail to reach agreement on the formation of an Executive.
Answered by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
As set out in the Government’s General Election manifesto we are committed to the implementation of the legacy bodies in the Stormont House Agreement. Much progress has been made on taking these forward and the next phase is to move to public consultation. Following developments in the recent talks, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is reflecting carefully on the next steps for taking forward the legacy consultation.