Northern Ireland: Restoring Devolution

Debate between Julian Smith and Roberta Blackman-Woods

Monday 21st October 2019 Commons Chamber

[Julian Smith]

Having been Government Chief Whip during most of the Brexit period, perhaps 1,000 days does not seem quite as bad to me as it does to others. However, it is an awfully long time and we do need to ensure that we now encourage the parties to get back to the Executive. The Tanaiste and I stand ready and plan to work with the parties over the coming days.

[Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods (City of Durham) (Lab)]

Can the Secretary of State confirm that he will bring forward new legislation on abortion in Northern Ireland promptly, and can he say a little more about the process that he will adopt in doing so?

[Julian Smith]

We will bring forward a consultation in the coming days. As I have said, decriminalisation and the moratorium on criminal cases will take effect from tomorrow. We will be delivering in the new year on the law that has now changed.