Oral Answers to Questions

Alex Easton Excerpts

Wednesday 25th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Hilary Benn]

I say to the hon. Gentleman that there was always an alternative to violence—always. That recognition was finally achieved when the Good Friday agreement was negotiated and signed, and Northern Ireland has seen the benefits since. It shows, as I indicated earlier, that instead of saying no, which happened repeatedly on all sides, when people are finally prepared to compromise in the interests of peace, enormous benefits flow—in this case, to Northern Ireland and elsewhere in the world.

[Alex Easton (North Down) (Ind)]

4. If he will have discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential merits of providing funding for the development of a police training college at Kinnegar.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Matthew Patrick)]

We are all indebted to the men and women who serve in our police force, who work day in, day out to keep our communities safe. I know that the Police Service of Northern Ireland purchased the site in the hon. Member’s constituency last year. He will know that policing and justice is devolved, so the next steps are for the PSNI and the Executive to discuss a way forward.

[Alex Easton]

Does the Minister agree that policing in Northern Ireland has consistently showcased excellence, with some of the most courageous public service anywhere in the UK, and that the development of a new police college on a 54-acre site at Holywood represents a unique opportunity to build expertise? Will he agree to join me for a site meeting to discuss funding opportunities to develop that policing college in Northern Ireland?

[Matthew Patrick]

I would be very happy to join the hon. Member on that visit. He makes his case powerfully and rightly pays tribute to the brave men and women who serve in our police. I am sure that the Executive will have heard his case for the PSNI as well.