Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Dunlop on 31 October (HL2406), whether parity of esteem, as set out in the Belfast Agreement 1998, relates to (1) individuals, (2) communities, or (3) both.

This Government understands the concept of parity of esteem, as set out in the 1998 Belfast Agreement, as relating to and placing a general obligation on the UK Government to treat people of different traditions or communities in Northern Ireland fairly and with equal respect.