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Hilary Benn
LAB✓ Current MP
🏛️ Leeds South
📅 1999–2026
4,023 speeches on Hansard record
✅ Votes attended: 84.73%
🟢 Rebelled against party: 0.17%
📝 Topics: Written Questions: Government Responses, Written Questions, Building Safety Fund
🤝 Member of 2 All-Party Parliamentary Groups
Written Answers
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Northern Ireland Office
The Government has the deepest sympathy for all of those affected by the Omagh bomb in August 1998. It was a terrible atrocity committed by the Real IRA at a time when the people of Northern Ireland were looking to a future without violence. Our thoughts are with those who have taken part in the…
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Co-ordination of land and inland water rescue is devolved, with search and rescue policy the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Department of Justice and co-ordination of land and inland water search and rescue operations falling to the Police Service of Northern Ireland. I have had no…
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The total value of severance payments is set out in the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts, which are available for the last three years at: GOV.UK
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I understand that the EU-Mercosur interim Trade Agreement will apply provisionally from May 2026, and we will monitor its effects on trade and our imports closely. While Northern Ireland has access to the EU Single Market in agricultural goods alongside the UK internal market, it is UK trade…
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The Troubles Bill will restore the small number of Troubles-related inquests that were already in progress but then halted by the previous government’s Legacy Act. Inquests that had not started will be subject to an assessment by the Solicitor General to independently consider whether each…
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On 22 January, the House of Commons approved the Remedial Order, which will remove the conditional immunity provided to terrorists by the previous Government’s immunity scheme. The scheduling of the debate in the House of Lords will be announced in the usual way.
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Yes. The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill will establish a reformed, human rights compliant and wholly independent Legacy Commission, which will carry out investigations and provide family reports to give victims and their families the answers they deserve. The Bill will proceed to Committee stage as…
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The Government continues to take practical action to protect and facilitate trade across the UK internal market. At Budget 2025, the Government announced £16.6 million to strengthen the UK internal market, including funding for an enhanced ‘one stop shop’ regulatory support service…
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Extensive guidance is available on GOV.UK for businesses moving goods under the Windsor Framework, alongside support from the Trader Support Service. At Autumn Budget 2025, the Government announced £16.6 million to strengthen the UK internal market and help boost trade between Great Britain…
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While the funding and strategic oversight of the higher education sector are devolved matters for the Northern Ireland Executive, the UK Government remains committed to the delivery of the Derry/Londonderry and Strabane City Region City Deal. Through this City Deal, the UK Government is investing…
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The UK Government is firmly committed to upholding the legal protections established by the Equality Act 2010, including those which protect people against unfair treatment based on the characteristics of sex and gender reassignment.We have always been clear that the For Women Scotland Supreme…
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The Northern Ireland Office recruited 1 apprentice in 2023 and 1 in 2025 for a 2-year term. We did not recruit any apprentices in 2022 or 2024.
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The Resilience Action Plan sets out the Government’s strategic approach to how we will strengthen our domestic resilience and invest to protect the nation. Northern Ireland Office (NIO) officials regularly attend meetings to discuss the implementation of the Resilience Action Plan as well as…
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The E-DATA project is the recipient of funding through the PEACEPLUS programme, into which the UK Government is investing £730 million. We will continue to work with the Northern Ireland Executive and other partners on the delivery and impact of the project as it progresses. The UK Government…
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A review of the harmonised standard for ethnicity data collection is underway by the Government Statistical Service Harmonisation team. A public consultation between October 2025 and February 2026 sought views from a wide range of users, including Government Departments and public bodies, to…
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The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the Communities Minister, on a range of priorities. Northern Ireland Office officials have engaged directly with Comhaltas on the Fleadh Cheoil na…
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I have not had any such discussions.Drug classification and the supporting legal framework remains a reserved power, primarily managed through the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This is the responsibility of the Home Office.
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Officials from the Northern Ireland Office regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025…
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The day of birth will be removed from the electoral ID to ensure that electoral identity cards are used to prove one’s identity in order to vote, rather than as a secondary form of identification, for other purposes.
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The information requested regarding how many staff within the Department are reliant on a visa for employment is not held centrally. Right to work checks are carried out for all new employees as part of the recruitmenton process.
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A review of the harmonised standard for ethnicity data collection is underway by the Government Statistical Service Harmonisation team. A public consultation between October 2025 and February 2026 sought views from a wide range of users, including Government Departments and public bodies, to…
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The pension rights of retired police officers is a devolved matter for which the Department of Justice is responsible.
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The Secretary of State and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State have regular discussions with officials, external experts and ministerial colleagues on a range of issues, including national security, defence and resilience. The Home Defence Programme was established in August 2024 to build the…
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The British Council Study USA initiative is a great programme that has benefited the career development of many students in Northern Ireland over its 30 years. Skills and further/higher education is a devolved matter for the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy and we will continue to work…
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I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues, officials, and external experts on a range of issues, including national security, defence and resilience. As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year engagement so that Government, businesses,…
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We have set out our expectation that all duty bearers, including Departments and arms length bodies, follow the law as clarified by the Supreme Court ruling and seek specialist legal advice where necessary. The Prime Minister has underlined this recently.The Equality and Human Rights Commission has…
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Reforms to the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) are agreed jointly by Ministers in all four nations who have equal decision-making power. We have consulted extensively on this since March 2022. Obligations under the scheme apply uniformly to all nations in the UK. A 50% deduction has been applied…
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The Common Travel Area is a long-standing successful arrangement. In the UK-Ireland 2030 Joint Statement, the Prime Minister and Taoiseach committed to working together to protect the integrity and security of the Common Travel Area. It is the case that many air and sea carriers require some form…
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There is one Director with responsibility for Human Resources who is the Northern Ireland Office’s Chief Operating Officer. This Director does not hold professional HR qualifications.
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I engage regularly with Intertrade UK, most recently when I met its Chair Baroness Foster in January at the East-West Council in Belfast, where I heard an update on Intertrade UK’s work to date and its future plans.The Northern Ireland Office provides secretariat support for Intertrade UK, as…
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Strong transport connections are vital to strengthen links between communities and allow business to grow. I welcome the publication of the Rail Project Priorisation Strategy in December. Improved infrastructure in Northern Ireland will help support the Executive’s plans for economic growth…
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I meet regularly with the First Minister and deputy First Minister to discuss a range of issues, including trade. I also chaired the East-West Council on 22 January 2026, attended by both the First Minister and deputy First Minister, which included a discussion of the £16.6 million provided to…
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The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the First Minister and deputy First Minister, on a wide range of priorities.While health is a devolved matter, the Government is committed to supporting the…
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The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the First Minister and deputy First Minister, on a wide range of priorities. Transport is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland and the responsibility of the…
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The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the First Minister and deputy First Minister, on a wide range of priorities. The environment is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland and the responsibility…
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I have met with Eakin Healthcare in Comber, The Exact Group in Newry and Lakeland Dairies in Newtownards.
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I have met with Wilson’s Country in Portadown.
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Minister Patrick has met with Mallaghan Engineering in Dungannon to discuss their apprenticeship programme.
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I have met with Deloitte, Belfast Harbour, Leckey, Camlin, as well as PRM Group, Thales, Studio Ulster, and Stena Line. Additionally, I have regular engagement with Institute of Directors NI, Federation of Small Businesses NI, NI Chamber, Belfast Chamber and NIBBWG on matters relating to business…
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I have met with Alchemy Technology Services, Derry-Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and Foyle Port.
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I met with the Chair of Intertrade UK, Baroness Foster, last month at the East-West Council to hear an update on the Board’s work to date and its future plans. I have also engaged directly with Intertrade UK on the advice they have submitted to me on issues affecting UK internal market trade.…
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I recently hosted the East West Council in Belfast where the Minister for Early Years noted the significant collaboration between all four nations of the UK to support the National Year of Reading. Education is a devolved matter and is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive. Decisions…
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I recently hosted the East West Council in Belfast where the Minister for Early Years noted the significant collaboration between all four nations of the UK to support the National Year of Reading. Education is a devolved matter and is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive. Decisions…
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The Government does not hold all of the specific information that has been requested. We understand that, between 1 January 2012 and December 2024, 68 cases for potential prosecution were considered in Northern Ireland in relation to Troubles-related cases, of which there were 25 decisions to…
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The Government does not hold all of the specific information that has been requested. We understand that, between 1 January 2012 and December 2024, 68 cases for potential prosecution were considered in Northern Ireland in relation to Troubles-related cases, of which there were 25 decisions to…
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The Government does not hold the specific information that has been requested.Any further queries should be directed to the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland or the Crown Prosecution Service as relevant.
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The Government does not hold all of the specific information that has been requested. We understand that, between 1 January 2012 and December 2024, 68 cases for potential prosecution were considered in Northern Ireland in relation to Troubles-related cases, of which, there were 25 decisions to…
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Food Security is a devolved matter. Ministers from all four nations discuss food system issues through the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. In addition, officials have regular engagement on a wide range of food security and resilience issues.
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The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) does not offer payroll deductions for credit unions. However, the department offers financial wellbeing support and advice through the employee benefits package. The employee benefits package is provided to NIO staff by the Ministry of Justice and its contracted…
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This information is publicly available at Appendix 4: Chronology of The Report of the Hallet Review: An Independent Review into the On the Runs Administrative Scheme, which can be found here.
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I meet regularly with the Secretary of State for Defence and other defence Ministers to discuss a range of issues, including how to ensure that our Operation Banner veterans are fairly treated through our new Legacy reforms.
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On 22 January, the House approved the Remedial Order which will remove the conditional immunity for terrorists which was provided in the previous Government’s Legacy Act.The Troubles Bill will establish a reformed, human rights compliant and wholly independent Legacy Commission which will…
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Safeguarding is a devolved matter and the development of safeguarding policy and legislation is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive. This Government remains committed to working with partners across the UK to ensure the safety and protection of children and adults at risk. It is…
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Recognising the unique security situation in Northern Ireland, the UK Government makes contributions to the PSNI through Additional Security Funding. The aim of the funding is to enable the PSNI to tackle terrorist threats while ensuring day-to-day policing is not compromised, allowing them to…
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I meet regularly with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues, including matters relating to the voluntary sector in Northern Ireland. Most recently, my officials have been working in partnership with the Grants Management Function of Cabinet Office for the delivery of the Northern Ireland Office…
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I meet frequently with Northern Ireland Executive Ministers on a range of issues. Most recently, my officials and I have been working in partnership with the Northern Ireland Executive to design and deliver the Local Growth Fund in Northern Ireland. Additionally, at the East-West Council in Belfast…
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Dual market access is a unique trading advantage that can attract further investment in Northern Ireland. I meet a wide range of businesses in Northern Ireland - and recently visited the Camlin Group, Leckey and the Exact Group who all highlight dual market access as a source of competitive…
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The Northern Ireland Office; Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Northern Ireland Executive have worked to provide community and voluntary sector organisations with the certainty they need to plan for this year. The RDEL element of the Local Growth Fund in 2026/27 will be…
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Following the announcement of the Local Growth Fund in Northern Ireland at the Spending Review in June 2025, I have had regular engagement with the Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government, as well as Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive, as we continue to work in…
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I regularly engage with the Northern Ireland Executive on the importance of delivering good quality, accessible healthcare in Northern Ireland. As Health and Social Care, including dental services, is a devolved matter, the Northern Ireland Department of Health (DoH) is responsible for these…
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It is for the Northern Ireland Executive to set a budget for Departments, and for the Minister for Justice to allocate funding to the Police Service of Northern Ireland. The Government is providing the Executive with a record settlement over the Spending Review period, averaging £19.3bn per…
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The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) is an independent body. As such, the Government does not hold this operational information and the Right Honourable Gentleman may wish to request it from the Commission directly.
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The Northern Ireland Office does not provide any direct financial support to the Minister for the Union.
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The Government engages regularly with the US administration to promote investment opportunities in Northern Ireland and I met the US Ambassador in Northern Ireland in July. Recent major investments, like Bank of America’s Belfast expansion, bringing with it over 100 jobs, confirm the…
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The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) manages its projects in accordance with the principles of HM Treasury’s Managing Public Money to ensure the effective and efficient use of public funds.Following a review of departmental records for the last five years, the Northern Ireland Office has no such…
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The Northern Ireland Office holds the following information: The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has travelled to Northern Ireland on 54 occasions since taking office.The Prime Minister has visited Northern Ireland twice since taking office.The Chancellor has visited once.The Foreign…
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While I meet regularly with the Chief Constable and his senior team regarding national security, and a range of issues, I have a limited role in relation to certain appeals against the decision of the Chief Constable not to issue firearms licences. The issuing of firearms licences is a devolved…
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The Government is firmly committed to Article 2 of the Windsor Framework, which ensures no diminution of rights, safeguards and equality of opportunity protections set out in the relevant chapter of the Good Friday Agreement.The Dedicated Mechanism monitors, advises and reports on this commitment,…
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Digital Identity policy is in development, with a dedicated team inside the Cabinet Office working to develop the proposals.Costs in this Spending Review period will be met within the existing Spending Review settlements.We are inviting the public to have their say in the upcoming consultation as…
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The Northern Ireland Office’s expenditure on (a) advertising and (b) marketing for the last three complete financial years, and the current financial year to date, is set out below: Financial YearArea(a) Advertising(b) Marketing2022-23NIO Core£5,709.84£0.00…
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The Government is committed to the Windsor Framework and protecting the UK internal market. Over 15,000 businesses are now registered to take advantage of facilitations for freight and parcels under the Windsor Framework, and the Windsor Framework Independent Monitoring Panel reported last year…
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Social Housing policy is devolved to the Northern Ireland Executive and is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the Department for Communities. This Government has provided the Executive with a record £19.3 billion per year on average over the Spending Review…
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Unsuccessful Connect Fund applicants can request feedback on their applications, with the aim of supporting them to re-submit a successful application in a future round of the Connect Fund. The Northern Ireland Office is running roadshows across Northern Ireland, starting on 12 January and running…
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Northern Ireland is an integral part of the United Kingdom’s internal market and customs territory. Ministers and officials speak regularly with stakeholders regarding the implementation of the Windsor Framework, including arrangements for parcels. Dual market access ensures that goods can…
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The British Embassy in Washington DC is working with the Northern Ireland Bureau (the Northern Ireland Executive’s diplomatic mission to the US) regarding plans to celebrate the America250 commemoration and the economic opportunities for Northern Ireland within that.
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Responsibility for recruitment (including requesting national security vetting) for the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland lies with The Executive Office.
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I commend the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for their continued, important work in upholding human rights protections in Northern Ireland. This includes in their role as part of the Dedicated Mechanism, along with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, in monitoring the…
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Responsibility for museums is a devolved matter and support for Northern Ireland’s museums is a matter for the Northern Ireland Communities Minister. I would therefore encourage Derry City and Strabane District Council to discuss support for the programming of the North Atlantic Maritime…
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The Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme is a devolved matter and is run by the Victims’ Payments Board on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive. Statistics on applications are publicly available on the Victims’ Payments Board’s website.
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We understand that there are currently 113 live investigations under the remit of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery. Within those 113 investigations, there were 35 victims who were military personnel and 16 police officers. This accounts for 44 of the 113 cases…
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The blue-green algae which we have seen develop over recent years in Lough Neagh is very worrying and has had a serious impact on the environmental health of the Lough. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State recently met with Northern Ireland’s Minister of Agriculture, Environment and…
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My officials and I regularly meet with the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) to discuss the views of the farming community in Northern Ireland, the Government’s international trade policy and movements of agrifood products within the UK internal market. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of…
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The Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme is a devolved matter and is run by the Victim's Payment Board on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive. Matters of eligibility are for the Board.
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The Government has announced new protections and safeguards designed specifically for veterans that were not included in the 2023 Legacy Act, and that respond directly to the views expressed by veterans during engagements that the Government has undertaken. All of the protections that the…
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United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) acts as service providers for National Security Vetting (NSV) across His Majesty’s Government (HMG) for specific roles affording access to Protectively Marked Materials (PMM) sites and assets. The ultimate decision on whether to grant any level of NSV…
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I regularly engage with the Irish Government on a number of issues of interest to both Governments, but to date, no discussions have taken place on the Irish Government’s Shared Island Media Fund.
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I meet regularly with Executive Ministers to discuss a range of issues, including how this Government can support public service transformation. While public transport is a devolved matter, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland recently met with the Infrastructure Minister…
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The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I engage regularly with the Executive on public services, including health. While health is a devolved matter, this Government is committed to being an active partner in supporting the Executive to deliver high-quality, accessible…
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The Government is committed to strengthening trade and business cooperation across the whole of the United Kingdom. Last year, I established Intertrade UK which aims to promote and boost trade in goods and services across the United Kingdom and ensure that the benefits of the UK Internal Market are…
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Information on the number of civil servants employed on temporary contracts is published quarterly by the Office for National Statistics as part of the quarterly Public Sector Employment statistics. Information can be accessed for September 2025 at the…
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Due to the difficulty of disaggregating the number of staff who are employed to produce social media content from staff who are employed to work on broader digital communications, it is not possible to report exact figures in response to this question.
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The Government considered the issues raised in the Independent Monitoring Panel’s report as part of its response to the Independent Review of the Windsor Framework. This includes a commitment to delivering an enhanced ‘one stop shop’ advice service for small businesses, beyond…
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As part of commitments within the Windsor Framework and the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper, the then-Government committed to “enter into exploratory talks with the United States Administration on the options for introducing pre-clearance checks on customs and immigration for passengers…
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The Northern Ireland Office has written to the families of 8 cases to inform them that those inquests will be able to resume under clause 84(3) of the Northern Ireland (Troubles) Bill. These cases are; Dillon, Duffy, McCord, Loughgall, Stalker-Sampson series, Moran, McDaid & Slane, and Patterson.…
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Northern Ireland is part of the UK’s customs territory and benefits from the UK’s Free Trade Agreements. The Government is not seeking to negotiate a UK-EU Customs Union.
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The £1m Connect Fund makes awards to strengthen civic ties between Northern Ireland and Great Britain across a range of sectors. I am encouraged by the high level of interest the Fund has received from community and voluntary groups to date. Early next year, a series of roadshows will be…
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The information requested is shown below: Ordinary Written PQsNamed Day PQsMay 2025100%100%June 2025100%100%July 2025100%100%August 2025NilNilSeptember 2025100%100%October 2025100%100%November 2025100%100% The House of Commons Procedure Committee monitors departmental PQ performance and publishes a…
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Within my Department, the following direct ministerial appointments have been made to non-statutory offices:Intertrade UK - Chair and MembersName and Job Title: Baroness Arlene Foster, Chair of Intertrade UKAnnual Remuneration: N/ATime Commitment: Approximately 1 day per monthExpected End Date: 18…
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The Government announced at the Autumn Budget a £16.6m package of measures to support businesses to move goods within the UK internal market, including a comprehensive ‘one stop shop’ regulatory support service and additional funding for Intertrade UK. On 3 December, we announced…
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Responsibility for libraries in Northern Ireland is a devolved matter. My Ministerial colleagues in the Northern Ireland Office and I hold regular meetings with Northern Ireland Executive Ministers, including the Communities Minister, to discuss areas of mutual interest. I welcome discussion about…
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The Northern Ireland Office’s Capital Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) settlements for the Spending Review period are set out below. Regarding the unallocated portion of the budget; currently, we have no unallocated CDEL in each year of the Spending Review period. Programme…
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The total expenditure by the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) on (i) LinkedIn membership fees and (ii) other subscriptions for the financial year 2024/2025 was as follows: CategoryTotal Expenditure (£)(i) LinkedIn membership fees£0.00 (Nil Return)(ii) Other subscriptions (Media)£5,939.52
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Section 14(1) of the Inquiries Act 2005 sets out that for the purposes of the Act, an Inquiry comes to an end either:(a) on the date, after the delivery of the report of the inquiry, on which the chairman notifies the Minister that the inquiry has fulfilled its terms of reference, or(b) on any…
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Although phase two of the Pride in Place programme will not be delivered in Northern Ireland, corresponding funding will be made available in Northern Ireland through the Local Growth Fund, with a total UK Government investment of £45.5m per annum over the Spending Review period. This decision…
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Stormont House is owned and managed by the Northern Ireland Executive. Consequently, the Northern Ireland Office has incurred no expenditure on the building's upkeep or maintenance since vacating the premises in 2022.
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I have met with a range of businesses and representative bodies, including those dealing with the movement of goods by road, and I remain committed to continuing this discussion. HM Revenue & Customs has also been engaging regularly with the International Road Transport Union, and their members…
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The Government has not removed the prospect of immunity from prosecution for any individual. The provisions in the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 were found to be incompatible with our human rights obligations and never commenced. I refer the Honourable gentleman to…
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The Windsor Framework gives Northern Ireland unique dual market access which ensures the free movement of goods across the UK and the EU, whilst maintaining the frictionless movement of people and goods on the island of Ireland. Duty-free shopping is not available between Northern Ireland and the…
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The Connect Fund has continued to receive a positive reaction from the voluntary and community sector and I am glad to see many innovative projects are already underway. In the August window, 24 applications were received with 11 of these subsequently awarded funding.
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The Government engages with the European Union on a range of issues on a regular basis. I can confirm that there are no barriers to selling poppies in respect of the Poppy Appeal under the Windsor Framework, and the Government has updated the relevant GOV.UK guidance to reflect this.
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The role of the Independent Monitoring Panel does not cover reporting on the legislative basis under which movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland take place.
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The provisions in the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 on immunity were found to be incompatible with our human rights obligations and never commenced. Those provisions were, in any case, opposed by political parties, by victims and survivors across communities in…
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Clause 8(3) of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill sets out that appointments to the Victims and Survivors Advisory Group are made by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, following the consultation set out in Clause 9. The Government will not appoint anyone who was previously involved in…
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The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) follows the Ministry of Justice for its HR policies. The MoJ published updated domestic abuse guidance and support on their intranet in August 2025, helping staff and managers assess safety concerns, and providing information on how best to support individuals and…
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I introduced the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill on 14 October – a significant step in fulfilling our commitment to repeal and replace the Legacy Act. The Bill received its Second Reading yesterday, and I look forward to continued debate and scrutiny as it progresses through Parliament.
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The UK is a proud signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights which underpins many international agreements on trade, security and migration, as well as the Good Friday Agreement. That Agreement also required domestic incorporation of the ECHR into Northern Ireland law which was enacted…
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The Northern Ireland Office is a tenant within Erskine House in Belfast, and 1 Horse Guards Road London. This building is managed by the Government Property Agency and as a tenant, the Northern Ireland Office does not hold information regarding bathroom facilities in respect of these offices.
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I can confirm that 96% of the value of goods moving by freight did so within the UK internal market system, as set out in my Written Ministerial Statement laid in the House on 5 November (HCWS1021) on the Independent Monitoring Panel report covering the period of 1 January-30 June 2025. Whilst I…
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I replied to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar on 13 November 2025 by email.
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The Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme simplifies the requirements for movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. To be eligible, certain retail goods must be labelled as ‘Not for EU’. To ensure sufficient time for businesses to plan and prepare, the requirements…
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The Government is considering Lord Murphy’s recommendations and will provide a response, including relevant timeframes, by January 2026, in line with our legal obligations.
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The UK Government is investing £617 million through the four City and Growth Deals which cover the whole of Northern Ireland. The four City and Growth Deals are: Belfast Region (£350m); Derry-Londonderry City and Strabane (£50m); Mid South West (£126m); and Causeway Coast and…
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The ICRIR currently has the power to require a person to provide information or produce any documents they have in their possession, for examination or testing. Failure to comply with this can result in a financial penalty of up to £5,000. This power will be carried forward into the new Legacy…
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The Government remains committed to keeping people safe. I pay tribute to those who work so hard to ensure peace and security across the United Kingdom. In relation to national security in Northern Ireland, the fact that the Northern Ireland Related Terrorism threat level was reduced in March 2024…
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The Department and its arm’s length bodies have not purchased any electric vehicles, nor installed any electric vehicle charging facilities since 4 July 2024.
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The Northern Ireland Office has spent the following on social media advertising in the last five years: 2024/25 (to date): £02023/24: £02022/23: £29,395.012021/22: £10,500.00 Please note there was no spend on influencer marketing during this period.
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The Government has engaged with the Northern Ireland Executive extensively on the issue of veterinary medicine access. This includes through the Veterinary Medicines Working Group, which I co-chair and which is also attended by Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and…
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As stated previously, the Northern Ireland Office speaks to parties regularly and does not give a running commentary on those discussions.
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The Government has engaged with the Northern Ireland Executive extensively on the issue of veterinary medicine access. This includes through the Veterinary Medicines Working Group, which I co-chair and which is also attended by Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and…
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I meet frequently with Northern Ireland Executive Ministers on a range of issues. I have visited a number of sporting projects and organisations across Northern Ireland, most recently meeting with Down GAA and the Irish Football Association. Sport has a great ability to unite people and to bring…
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I welcome the introduction earlier this year of neonatal care leave and pay in Great Britain, which will provide vital support to parents whose babies require specialist care in the first weeks of life, ensuring they will have additional time away from work at such a critical time.My ministerial…
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A full breakdown of the funds allocated through the Transformation Fund is available via the Department of Finance’s website:Annual Profiling of Transformation ProjectsThe Public Sector Transformation Board is currently considering further transformation bids from departments with the aim of…
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Clause 84(3) of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill sets out the criteria for resumption of inquests that had started and were halted by the Legacy Act. It is only right that these are discussed with the affected families in the first instance.
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All of the measures that we have announced seek to directly benefit veterans who are asked to engage with legacy mechanisms, responding to discussions that the Government has undertaken. Some measures, including the protection from cold calling and protecting veterans from giving unnecessary…
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The Government is committed to supporting British businesses and ensuring they have the best chance to win public contracts.Crockery and tableware at Northern Ireland Office buildings and Hillsborough Castle has been sourced over a number of years from various suppliers. However, full information…
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The ECHR underpins key international agreements on trade, security and migration, as well as the Good Friday Agreement. The UK Government has no plans to leave the ECHR, and will not therefore speculate on what such a policy would entail.
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The provisions of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill set out the criteria for the restoration of a select number of inquests based on their progress through the coronial system at 1 May 2024. These criteria are set out at Clause 84.
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The Northern Ireland Office, and Ministers, regularly engage with the Northern Ireland Executive on the Transformation Fund. In particular, through its membership of the Public Sector Transformation Board whose role is to advise and make recommendations on how to use the £235m ring-fenced…
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Northern Ireland is a much valued part of the UK and brings an enormous richness to the life of our country. Northern Ireland also benefits hugely from being part of the UK.For example, the Northern Ireland Executive will receive a record settlement of £19.3 billion per year on average between…
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The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill requires appointments to the Victims and Survivors Advisory Group to be made following consultation with relevant individuals, in order to inform the appointments process. I will publish details of who will be consulted. I have already committed to a publicly…
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The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill includes strong safeguards for veterans that were not included in the 2023 Act, and that respond directly to the concerns expressed during engagements that the Government has undertaken. The Government is also taking forward some measures on a non-legislative…
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The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill includes strong safeguards for veterans that were not included in the 2023 Act, and that respond directly to the concerns expressed during engagements that the Government has undertaken. The Government is also taking forward some measures on a non-legislative…
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The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill includes strong safeguards for veterans that were not included in the 2023 Act, and that respond directly to the concerns expressed during engagements that the Government has undertaken. The Government is also taking forward some measures on a non-legislative…
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The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill includes strong safeguards for veterans that were not included in the 2023 Act, and that respond directly to the concerns expressed during engagements that the Government has undertaken. The Government is also taking forward some measures on a non-legislative…
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Trade policy is a reserved matter and the UK Government is responsible for negotiating international trade agreements on behalf of all the nations and regions in the UK. This Government suspended trade negotiations with Israel on 20 May, owing to the actions of the Israeli Government in Gaza and…
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(a) As set out in the Civil Service People Plan 2024-2027, we are committed to ensuring we attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds to create a modern Civil Service, now and for the future. Civil Service recruitment must follow the rules set out in legislation…
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Under the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill those inquests that had started and were halted by the Legacy Act, of which there are 9, will be able to resume. All other cases which were in the coronial system but had not commenced (24 in total) will be subject to a decision by the Solicitor General…
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The 2023 Legacy Act did not prohibit Troubles-related civil cases from proceeding, meaning that over 700 cases remain in the judicial system. The Legacy Act’s retrospective bar on new civil cases was found to be incompatible with our human rights obligations, and is being removed via a…
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The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill includes new protections and safeguards for veterans that were not included in the 2023 Act, and that respond directly to the views expressed by veterans during engagements that the Government has undertaken. The Government is also taking forward some measures on…
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The Cabinet Office’s Guide to Making Legislation makes clear that “Impact Assessments are generally required for all UK government interventions of a regulatory nature that affect the private sector and/or civil society organisation or public services”. As the Northern Ireland…
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Existing civil cases were not barred from proceeding by the Legacy Act. The Government is, by way of a Remedial Order, repealing the retrospective bar on new civil cases and the bar on future civil cases, which has been found to be incompatible with our legal obligations. It is not possible to…
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As announced at the Spending Review, from 2026-27 the UK Government will provide targeted, long-term local growth funding to support growth across Northern Ireland, once the UK Shared Prosperity Fund ends in March 2026. The Northern Ireland Office is working in close partnership with the Northern…
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On 14 October, the Government introduced the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill as part of our commitment to repeal and replace the previous government’s Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy & Reconciliation) Act 2023. The legislation includes strong safeguards for veterans that were not included in…
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The Connect Fund has received a very positive reaction from the civic and voluntary sector and in its inaugural month received a total of 24 applications.
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On 1 May, the Government introduced important new arrangements for freight and parcel movements to ensure that goods can continue to move smoothly from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. The new arrangements ensure that parcels sent to or from consumers will not be subject to customs declarations…
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As announced at the Spending Review, from 2026-27 the UK Government will provide targeted, long-term local growth funding to support growth across Northern Ireland, once the UK Shared Prosperity Fund ends in March 2026. My department is working in close partnership with the Northern Ireland…
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As stated previously, the Northern Ireland Office speaks to parties regularly and does not give a running commentary on those discussions.
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The Government established Intertrade UK in February 2025, with a clear purpose to provide advice on and promote trade and investment across the UK. This is why Intertrade UK’s recently published Work Programme sets out how the body will advise on ways to support intra-UK trade by removing…
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The Northern Ireland Office is a tenant within two UK Government Hubs, one is located at Erskine House in Belfast, and the other at 1 Horse Guards Road London. Our Belfast office is managed by HM Revenue & Customs and our London office is managed by the Government Property Agency. As a tenant, the…
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The Northern Ireland Office has not spent money on social media influencers since July 2024.
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The Rt Hon Lord Murphy engaged widely across the political spectrum during the Independent Review. The Northern Ireland Office speaks to parties regularly and does not give a running commentary on those discussions.
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The Northern Ireland Office has used artificial intelligence in recent months to help us all work more efficiently by assisting with tasks like drafting emails, summarising documents and taking notes in meetings. The use of artificial intelligence aligns with our focus on using data and digital…
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I speak regularly with people across Northern Ireland and am encouraged by the work of grassroots communities to support a safer, more cohesive and reconciled future for all. I have carried out over 100 visits to 16 constituencies across Northern Ireland since my appointment, including to South…
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I continue to take every opportunity to promote investment into Northern Ireland, following the success of the golf Open Championship, and regularly engage with the Northern Ireland Executive and its relevant bodies to support a thriving, competitive and regionally balanced economy in Northern…
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The UK Government is keen to collaborate and provide support for work to celebrate the 250th anniversary of US Independence.
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The Government is committed to reducing barriers to trade between the UK and the EU, and to protecting the UK internal market. To that end, the Government has recently written to vehicle manufacturers to confirm that we intend to align requirements and ensure consistency between the type approval…
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The Northern Ireland Office does not hold information relating to charging and prosecutions of terrorism offences; this would be held by the operationally independent PSNI and PPSNI.
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At the Northern Ireland Office, flexible working requests are submitted directly to line managers for discussion and approval. The department does not maintain data centrally on the number of staff working compressed hours.
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The Northern Ireland Office follows the cross Civil Service expectation that everyone spend at least 60% of their time at a Government building or on official business, such as visiting stakeholders, unless they have an agreed adjustment or exception. Deputy Directors monitor records of team office…
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The Northern Ireland Office follows the cross Civil Service expectation that everyone spend at least 60% of their time at a Government building or on official business, such as visiting stakeholders, unless they have an agreed adjustment or exception. Deputy Directors monitor records of team office…
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This is a matter which falls within the devolved competence of policing and justice, with the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland being the authority responsible for making determinations on bringing criminal charges against individuals. The Northern Ireland Office is, however, aware…
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I have laid a proposal for a draft remedial order in Parliament, representing the first step in fulfilling the Government’s commitment to repeal and replace the Legacy Act. The Order seeks to remedy a number of human rights deficiencies identified by the Courts, and the Government is…
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Government Departments handle inquest costs in aggregate. We are unable to provide a breakdown of the costs for these specific inquests.
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A growing number of families are taking cases to the independent Commission and the Government has confidence in its team of dedicated staff to effectively deliver for them. The Court of Appeal has recognised the Commission’s structural independence and wide powers. The confidence of families…
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The Terms of Reference and Work Programme for Intertrade UK were published online on 26 August 2025. The body is now focused on implementing its work programme, which is based on three priorities: overcoming barriers to trade, promoting UK internal market opportunities and enhancing infrastructure…
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It is for the Independent Monitoring Panel to determine how they conduct their work and then to report to Government. The Panel’s first monitoring period ended on 30 June and the Government expects to receive their first report in due course. The Government will then publish it in accordance…
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Northern Ireland Office ministers and officials regularly engage with charities and voluntary and community sector organisations in Northern Ireland on a wide range of issues. I have not met the White Butterfly Foundation.
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The Connect Fund will award up to £1 million to strengthen civic East-West collaboration on matters of shared interest, including mutual challenges and opportunities across a range of sectors that directly affect communities in Northern Ireland. The Government will consider the lessons learnt…
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Information on employees who earn over £100,000 can be found in the annual report and accounts. The most recent report can be found here. The 2024/5 annual report and accounts will be published later in the year.
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In the 2024-25 financial year, the Northern Ireland Office has awarded all procurement contracts to UK companies.Details of central government contracts above £12,000 for procurements commenced before 24 February 2025 are published on Contracts Finder…
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The annual 12th July Commemorations are hugely significant to many in Northern Ireland, as I witnessed first hand during my visit to the County Fermanagh 12th July Parade in Irvinestown in 2024. Earlier this month, I visited Sloan’s House, the birthplace of the Orange Institution, and took…
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The 12th of July is a day of cultural and historical significance to many in Northern Ireland. We do not share advance details of Northern Ireland Office Ministers’ movements.
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Lord Murphy provided the final report of the Independent Review on 9 July 2025, in line with the Terms of Reference for the Review.
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All Statutory Instruments are a matter of public record and are available on the Government’s ‘legislation.gov.uk’ website, or on ‘statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk’.
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The Government has not yet received the initial report of the Independent Monitoring Panel, whose first monitoring period ended on 30 June. We expect to receive the Panel’s report in due course and will publish it in accordance with the existing commitment to do so.
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Lord Murphy provided the final report of the Independent Review to the Government on 9 July 2025. The Government will publish it in full accordance with its existing obligations to do so.
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The Northern Ireland Office usually collect ethnicity data in line with the ethnicity harmonised standard, which is developed by the independent Office for National Statistics. The current harmonised standard is based on the 2011 Census questions used across the UK; those questions were updated for…
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The Connect Fund will support communities in Northern Ireland, funding projects between £300 and £50,000 with a clear East-West lens that deliver on building connections, sharing information, and collaborative community work. Funding is available in two rounds, with the first round…
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The Northern Ireland Office remains committed to supporting the use of apprenticeships to break down barriers to opportunity. This includes supporting the Government’s commitment to 2,000 digital apprenticeships through its TechTrack scheme by 2030 to improve digital skills and drive…
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Equal opportunities and anti-discrimination law remain devolved matters in Northern Ireland, and the Equality Act 2010 does not apply in Northern Ireland (save in some very limited areas).We expect those affected by the Supreme Court judgment in the ‘For Women Scotland’ case to comply…
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In the explanatory materials provided to Parliament ahead of the consent vote on the Windsor Framework last year, the Government set out its view that dual market access is important for economic life in Northern Ireland and that many aspects of economic activity rely on that access. The Government…
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The Northern Ireland Office does not have any employees working remotely from outside the UK. All staff are based within the UK.
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I refer to the answer given last week to the Honourable Member for Stockton North (UIN 63126). The main issue here is the application of the Carltona principle in the context of ICOs. The previous Government’s attempt to address this following the 2020 Supreme Court judgment in Adams has been…
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On 4 December 2024, the Government laid a proposal for a draft Remedial Order to amend the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act.The Government has been carefully considering responses received including from the Joint Committee on Human Rights and other stakeholders and will…
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I would refer the Hon Member to the answer given by my Rt Hon Friend the Paymaster General of 22 January 2025 (UIN 24053).
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The Northern Ireland Office has spent the following on the provision of equipment for use at home in order to facilitate workplace adjustments:YearExpenditure2022£2,103.232023£27.982024£22.09 The Northern Ireland Office has adopted the Civil Service Smarter Working model, with the…
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Responsibility for policing and justice in Northern Ireland, excluding national security matters, was devolved in 2010. Nevertheless, I hold regular meetings with the Northern Ireland Minister of Justice to discuss areas of mutual interest and concern. The UK Government is committed to media…
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In May, the UK concluded a landmark economic deal with the US. This deal protects jobs in the automotive, steel, aluminium, pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors - sectors that employ over 320,000 people across the UK. In addition, an estimated 260,000 jobs are supported by the auto industry in the…
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The Government expects to receive the final report of the Independent Review of the Windsor Framework by 9 July, and the first report of the Independent Monitoring Panel in the coming weeks. Following receipt, the Government will then proceed with the publication of the respective reports in line…
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The Government’s renewed partnership with the EU will deliver a broader range of benefits for people and businesses across the UK. These include an SPS Agreement which, once implemented, will help facilitate the smooth flow of agrifood and plants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, reduce…
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