Northern Ireland Executive Formation

Debate between Martin Docherty-Hughes and Julian Smith

Thursday 16th January 2020 Commons Chamber

[Julian Smith]

I thank my hon. Friend for her text messages, WhatsApp messages and all her support during this period. I can reconfirm that the funding package that the UK Government are providing will be provided to the Executive, and should be distributed across communities in Northern Ireland.

[Martin Docherty-Hughes (West Dunbartonshire) (SNP)]

Coming from good Ulster stock myself, I am delighted to congratulate the Secretary of State, along with his counterpart in Ireland, Simon Coveney, for the work that they and all Members, both here and in Northern Ireland, have done to bring about the Assembly resitting. An essential element of the Good Friday agreement, which is the foundation of that Assembly, is the notion—whether Members in this House agree with it or not—of a referendum on the unity of the Irish nation. Now, I am sure that would also mean that the Secretary of State agrees with me that the Union is consensual.

[Julian Smith]

I think the Prime Minister was very clear about his views on those issues yesterday. I have no further comments to make.