Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Glyn Davies Excerpts
Wednesday 30th November 2011

(12 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Swire Portrait Mr Swire
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My hon. Friend is absolutely right. People in Northern Ireland enjoy the same protection as anyone in the rest of the United Kingdom. In fact, Northern Ireland has, for instance, anti-discrimination legislation that is the strongest in Europe. We need a consensus from the Executive—from the Assembly—to make sure that this matter is finally resolved to the satisfaction of all.

Glyn Davies Portrait Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con)
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5. What assessment he has made of recent political developments in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Owen Paterson Portrait The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr Owen Paterson)
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The political situation in Northern Ireland is now more stable than for a generation, but stability is not an end in itself. It is time for the Assembly and Executive to work towards building a prosperous Northern Ireland in which everyone has a genuinely shared future.

Glyn Davies Portrait Glyn Davies
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The Northern Ireland Executive have published a draft programme for government. Will my right hon. Friend comment on this development, and does he welcome what is happening in Northern Ireland?

Owen Paterson Portrait Mr Paterson
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I am delighted that after six months the draft programme has come forward, and I very much hope that the Executive will crack on in working with the Assembly to deliver its main elements as soon as possible.