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Karen Bradley
CON✓ Current MP
🏛️ Staffordshire Moorlands
📅 2010–2026
1,917 speeches on Hansard record
✅ Votes attended: 88.54% (#18 of 650 MPs)
🟢 Rebelled against party: 0.91%
📝 Topics: Wirecard: Insolvency, Financial Services: Small Businesses, Israel: Palestinians
🤝 Member of 11 All-Party Parliamentary Groups
Written Answers
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Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what financial provision he is making available to ensure that there is adequate (a) infrastructure and (b) staffing in place to enable exit checks to be carried out at all UK ports from 1 January 2021.
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Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether dedicated wedding venues are permitted to hold covid-secure weddings in Stage 2 of the covid-19 roadmap.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of providing additional financial support for the hospitality sector in areas under tier 3 covid-19 restrictions.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he has taken to ensure that warranties on the products of companies that become insolvent and then reopen are honoured.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether photography businesses specialising in pets can continue to operate during the November 2020 covid-19 lockdown provided that the business is conducted outdoors, with only the pet owner and the photographer present…
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Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what plans she has to bring forward legislative proposals to prevent the transmission of sexually explicit material of children online.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he has taken to support community radio stations during the covid-19 outbreak.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether the rule of six applies to holiday cottages; and whether exemptions are available to allow more than six people from different support bubbles to visit self catering holiday cottages.
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On 14 December, Disney and the 21st Century Fox announced details of an agreement for the sale of 21st Century Fox to Disney. This includes its interests in two major UK Media companies Sky PLC and Endemol/Shine. 21st Century Fox currently remains as the bidder for Sky PLC and Disney and 21st…
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Department for Education
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to promote (a) adoption and (b) implementation of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism across higher education institutions.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what additional support he will provide to BTEC students (a) sitting examinations over winter 2020-21 and (b) more generally during the covid-19 outbreak.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether schools will receive automatic funding from his Department to cover the cost of personal protective equipment.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure that school children in the three tier education system are supported in their transition years of Year 4 and Year 8 given the Government's plans for Year 6 students in the two tier system to return to school from early…
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Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will take steps to publish a national policy statement on visitor attractions.
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Department for Transport
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has made an assessment of public charging points in Staffordshire Moorlands for electric vehicles; and if he will ensure that there are adequate public charging points for such vehicles in the Staffordshire Moorlands ahead of the phasing out…
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To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will extend the period of validity of a Theory Driving Test Certificate in response to the covid-19 lockdown restrictions that were imposed on people learning to drive.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 4 June 2020 to Question 52118 on Bus Services: Coronavirus, whether he plans to make additional support available to private coach companies over summer 2020 to help them during the covid-19 outbreak.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will (a) extend the temporary exemption for fee paying school children on non-Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations compliant transport and (b) allow for more fare-paying passengers for children travelling to faith schools.
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Department for Work and Pensions
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will extend statutory sick pay to members of a household who are required to self-isolate and take unpaid covid-related absence due to another member of that household requiring non-covid related surgery.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether self-employed musicians can submit music for use on her Department's helplines.
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Department of Health and Social Care
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when funding for the Integrated Health Care Hubs in North Staffordshire will be made available to the Integrated care board in North Staffordshire.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what is the range of rates for transport expenses that can be claimed by patients attending in-centre haemodialysis.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department has taken steps to implement the recommendations of the report entitled Improving non-emergency patient transport services: Report of the non-emergency patient transport review published by the NHS in August 2021.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to align the separate national digital proof of covid-19 vaccination status systems of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland so that information on vaccine status can be shared throughout the UK,…
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To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward the rollout of the covid-19 vaccine to (a) internet and phone engineers and (b) other key workers who need to enter residential premises to carry out…
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To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to support Staffordshire County Council to tackle the rapid rise in demand for local testing for covid-19 in Staffordshire Moorlands.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the scope of support bubbles to allow elderly couples to form a support bubble with their family.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will permit hospitality businesses in areas with tier 3 covid-19 restrictions to operate with the same restrictions as those in tier 2 areas.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of opening swimming pools for treatment of mental and physical health issues during the November 2020 covid-19 lockdown.
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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of Iran's financial support for Hezbollah.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of pairing British towns and cities with those in Ukraine and surrounding countries, to help support humanitarian efforts and to rebuild destroyed infrastructure.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has held with her US counterpart on the establishment of an International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that UK aid is being used to promote the values of human rights, democracy and press freedom in (a) the West Bank and (b) Gaza.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s ability to verify and monitor Iran’s nuclear activities.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make it his policy that resolutions disproportionately focusing on Israel at the UN are damaging to the prospects for peace; and if he will make a statement.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of potential bias against Israel at the UN Human Rights Council.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of potential bias against Israel at the UN Human Rights Council.
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Home Office
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to repurpose (a) offices and (b) other buildings to house asylum seekers in Staffordshire Moorlands constituency.
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an estimate of the number of migrants that attempted to enter the UK illegally in trucks and other motor vehicles in each of the last five years.
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she will appoint the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what additional resources she will provide to the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority for inspection and enforcement activities from 1 January 2021 to help tackle abuses of the new points-based immigration system.
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to intercept criminals at the point of entry ahead of the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme.
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her policy is on joining (a) Europol, (b) Eurojust, (c) the Schengen Information System (SIS II), (d) the European Criminal Records Information System and (e) Passenger Name Records Data on 1 January 2021; and if she will make a statement.
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to establish the electronic travel authorisation scheme; and whether that scheme will be operational by 1 January 2021.
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what training requirements her Department plans to include in outsourcing contracts for people undertaking asylum interviews to identify cases of human trafficking and modern-day slavery.
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many potential victims of modern slavery were identified and referred to the National Referral Mechanism at (a) seaports, (b) airports and (c) rail ports in each year from 2016 to 2019 inclusive.
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) identified potential victims of human trafficking or modern slavery and (b) persons prosecuted for human trafficking or modern slavery offences were stopped from entering the UK having tried to enter with forged, illegal or…
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many exit checks (a) in person and (b) using automated processes were carried out for EEA and Swiss nationals departing from all UK ports and airports in (i) 2018 and (ii) 2019; and what information those checks recorded.
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress has been made on introducing automated exit checks for people departing the UK; and whether exit checks will be carried out on (a) all travellers and (b) at all ports from 1 January 2021.
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many individuals have been refused entry to the UK at all ports of entry as a result of convictions for human trafficking and modern slavery or similar offences (a) in the UK, (b) in the EU and (c) in the rest of the world, in each calendar…
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential for visa-free entry for EEA national visitors after the end of free movement to be abused by human traffickers to exploit EEA nationals in the UK; and what plans she has to prevent such exploitation.
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to update the Modern Slavery Strategy.
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what support is provided to potential victims of human trafficking who are also asylum seekers in section 98 accommodation awaiting their decision.
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of imposing restrictions on the online activity of convicted sex offenders.
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the National Referral Mechanism for protecting children that are victims of (a) human trafficking and (b) modern slavery.
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress her Department has been made on developing a registry of modern slavery statements.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing an exemption from council tax for unoccupied listed buildings to reflect the application of business rates to listed buildings.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Homelessness Code of Guidance for Local Authorities section 8(3), whether victims of modern slavery and human trafficking fall within the vulnerable persons category within that guidance and are…
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Ministry of Justice
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to reduce the backlog of child access cases in family courts following the covid-19 outbreak.
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Justice, how many people were (a) prosecuted and (b) convicted of human trafficking and modern slavery offences as the principal offence; of those people how many were EEA or Swiss nationals excluding UK nationals; how many additional people flagged by the CPS…
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To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many foreign national offenders convicted of human trafficking or modern slavery offences were returned to their country of origin under (a) the Early Removal Scheme, (b) an EU Prisoner Transfer Framework Decision, (c) the Additional Protocol to the…
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Justice, how many (i) Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders and (ii) Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders were made by courts in each calendar year from 2016 to 2019 inclusive; and how many of those were made in respect of (a) EEA or Swiss nationals,…
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Northern Ireland Office
The Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly have not been suspended.They are however not functioning in the ways set out in the 1998 Belfast Agreement.This Government has taken the necessary action to ensure good governance and stable public finances in Northern Ireland, which of course is an…
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I have regular discussions with the Irish Government concerning the UK's exit from the EU.
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Since the previous round of talks finished in 2018, this Government has focused on taking steps to ensure good governance can continue in Northern Ireland. This has included the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Act 2018 that provides the Northern Ireland Civil…
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Restoring devolved government in Northern Ireland at the earliest opportunity remains my top priority. However in the event of the continued delay in the formation of an Executive I have been clear that I will consider the case for further reductions to the salaries of the Members of the…
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We remain focused on ensuring our smooth and orderly withdrawal from the EU with a deal as soon as possible. As a responsible Government we have been preparing to minimise any disruption in the event of no deal for over two years. In light of the agreed extension to the EU Exit date, Departments…
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The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) issued 34,040 letters advising EU citizens resident in Northern Ireland of the requirement in law to complete an additional form if they wished to vote in the European Parliamentary elections in May 2019 in Northern Ireland. This letter made clear the deadline for…
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Under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Act 2018, I retain a discretionary power to propose a date for an Assembly election at any time. The Act also removes the duty to propose a date, which would arise again after the period for Executive formation. The Assembly…
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This Government has made clear on many occasions that we will never be neutral in expressing our support for the Union.Northern Ireland benefits hugely from the Union and my steadfast belief is that Northern Ireland’s future is best served within a stronger United Kingdom.
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As I have said on many occasions, I voted in support of same sex marriage in England and Wales and I hope that this can be extended to Northern Ireland in the future. However, marriage is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland and an issue I want a restored Executive to resolve.
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On 8 May, the United Kingdom Government and the Irish Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding codifying the Common Travel Area (CTA) and associated reciprocal rights.
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Trade promotion is a devolved matter. The UK Government shares the ambitions of Invest NI and Tourism NI in promoting Northern Ireland as a place to invest, visit and do business. I welcome the ongoing work that is happening across a number of bodies in Northern Ireland to maximise the economic…
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I meet the Tánaiste regularly to discuss a wide range of issues, including the security situation. At the recent British Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 8 May, both the UK and Ireland reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening our security relationship. There is no greater…
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This Government remains steadfast in its commitment to the Belfast Agreement including the principle of consent governing Northern Ireland’s constitutional position. It is on that basis that Northern Ireland is and remains a full and integral part of the United Kingdom. As the Conservative…
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The majority of environmental matters are devolved in Northern Ireland. Protecting our environment in Northern Ireland for future generations is a hugely important issue and highlights why I am determined to restore an Executive at the earliest opportunity. For environmental matters which the UK…
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I remain in regular contact with the Chief Constable of the PSNI on a range of security-related matters. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the PSNI’s ongoing investigations but PSNI has publicly stated that there is no current link to the involvement of dissident republicans.
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Further to my answer of 9 April, I can confirm that the situation on MLA pay remains under constant review.
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Since I became Secretary of State in January 2018 I have made over 30 overnight stays in Northern Ireland. In addition, I have made 12 overseas visits in my capacity as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
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This Government is committed to building a Northern Ireland in which all parts of the community and main cultural traditions are fully respected. Under the Public Processions (NI) Act 1998, the Parades Commission is responsible for operational matters relating to parading, acting independently of…
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Culture is a devolved policy area in Northern Ireland. The Government provides the block grant each year, from which the Northern Ireland Executive allocates funding. I visited the Twelfth of July parades last year in Newtownards. I have also met representatives of the loyal orders and wider…
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We want and expect to leave the EU with a negotiated agreement. As a responsible Government, at the same time we have accelerated no-deal preparations to ensure that all parts of the UK, including Northern Ireland, are as prepared as possible in the event of a no-deal exit. The Northern Ireland…
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I meet regularly with the Chief Constable to discuss security issues, including aspects of EU Exit. Across Government we are working closely with operational partners on contingency planning so we can ensure the safety and security of our citizens in all scenarios.
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The Northern Ireland Office is not organising any official events to mark the 21st anniversary of the Belfast Agreement. The hon Lady will recall that a number of events were held last year for the 20th anniversary of the Agreement in which the UK Government participated or hosted. This Government…
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A second reduction to MLA salaries took effect in January 2019, bringing the total reduction to 27.5%. While the Assembly is not sitting, I recognise that MLAs continue to be active in constituency work. The reduction that has been implemented reflects the work MLAs have been doing in the current…
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It is important that we have a consistent approach to the control of corrosive substances across the UK. I therefore agreed that it was in the public interest to extend the Offensive Weapons Bill to Northern Ireland, on the condition that the provisions will not be commenced until the Northern…
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An error has been identified in the written answer given on 28 March 2019.The correct answer should have been:
In Northern Ireland, corrosive substances are devolved and are the responsibility of the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland. Clauses 1 to 4 of the Offensive Weapons Bill…
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In Northern Ireland, corrosive substances are devolved and are the responsibility of the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland. Clauses 1 to 4 of the Offensive Weapons Bill which the hon Member has referred to, relate to proportionate restrictions on the sale and delivery of certain acids and…
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I refer the honourable Member to the answer I gave on 26 March 2019 (UIN 235262). At the last meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in November 2018, the UK and Irish Governments agreed to hold another meeting in the spring of 2019.
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I laid the statutory instrument that extended the period for Executive formation on 21 March. It came into force on 25 March and, as a made affirmative instrument, it will be subject to a debate and vote in Parliament in due course.
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I have secured collective agreement across Government to commit to introduce legislation to address the Commission’s ‘own motion’ legal standing under the Human Rights Act 1998, via its powers under the Northern Ireland Act 1998. This will happen at the earliest opportunity,…
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The Government is committed to publishing details of ministers’ meetings with external organisations on a quarterly basis. Publications for the Northern Ireland Office can be found on Gov.UK.
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At the last meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in November 2018, the two Governments agreed to hold another meeting in the spring of 2019.
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The Northern Ireland Department of Finance Permanent Secretary determined 2018-19 pay policy on 22 November 2018. In keeping with HMT policy, for 2018-19, the 1% pay award limit has been removed. Any decision on an increase above 1% is for the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Education in…
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The Government recognises the sensitivities of these issues and the strongly held views of stakeholders on all sides of the debate. The Government takes its obligations under the Convention seriously, including having had positive dialogues with the UN CEDAW Committee very recently, and carefully…
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The Northern Ireland Office does not have a Chief Scientific Adviser.
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The data comes from a ComRes survey conducted in Northern Ireland between 8 and 15 October 2018.
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The voting rights which will continue to be enjoyed by British and Irish citizens are reciprocal. British citizens may vote in local and parliamentary elections in Ireland but not Presidential elections or referendums. This reciprocal right is reflected in the voting rights of Irish citizens living…
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Since 2016, the following consultations have been initiated by the Northern Ireland Office: Consultation NameOpenedClosedResponse IssuedFuture Delivery of Electoral Services in Northern Ireland12 October 20169 January 201725 June 2018Non-jury trial provisions Justice and Security (Northern Ireland)…
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Under the early release scheme that formed part of the 1998 Belfast Agreement and was given legislative effect by the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998, qualifying prisoners may apply for early release (subject to certain conditions) after they have served two years in prison. Currently anyone…
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The threat from dissident republican terrorism continues to be SEVERE in Northern Ireland. This Government’s first priority is to keep people safe and secure. Vigilance against this continuing threat is essential and we remain determined to ensure that terrorism never succeeds.
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I am working closely with the main Northern Ireland parties to restore devolved government. I met the five main political parties on 15 February, and again - with the exception of one party - on 1 March. Northern Ireland needs a functioning Executive and Assembly and that is what this Government is…
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Since January 2017, £9,689,201 has been paid in salaries to Members of the Legislative Assembly. The total cost including salaries, social security, and other pension costs for the same period is £12,367,952.These figures have been provided by the Assembly Commission which holds the…
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The Government does not have any current plans to mark the day with any official commemorations. I shall, however, be using the occasion to remind people of the huge progress that has been made in Northern Ireland over the past 21 years as a result of the Belfast Agreement and its successors, and…
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The Government is firmly committed to the Belfast Agreement, its successor agreements, the constitutional principles it upholds, the institutions established, and the rights it protects. Leaving the EU, regardless of the terms of our departure, does not change this position.
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The Northern Ireland Office has been involved in the planning of Decade of Centenaries commemorations in Northern Ireland, but has not yet developed plans to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland in 2021.
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I meet regularly with employers from private, public and voluntary sectors in Northern Ireland. A full list of meetings is published quarterly on:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ministers-transparency-publications.
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I meet regularly with employers from a large range of sectors in Northern Ireland. A full list of meetings is published quarterly on:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ministers-transparency-publications.
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The legacy consultation concluded in October and we expect to finish our analysis of the 17,000+ responses shortly. The public gave their time to tell us what they want so it is right that we consider every response fully.We have met the main political parties in Northern Ireland to set out the…
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I am in regular contact with the leaders of the Northern Ireland parties and I remain focused on bringing the parties together to work towards re-establishing devolved government in Northern Ireland.
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I have made clear that I am ready to consider all proposals which could support the parties in finding an agreement to restore the Executive. As always, all options remain on the table.
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A second reduction to MLA salaries took effect last month, bringing the total reduction to 27.5%. While the Assembly is not sitting, I recognise that MLAs continue to be active in constituency work. The reduction that has been implemented reflects the work MLAs have been doing in the current period…
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Thanks to the UK Government’s responsible stewardship of the economy the country’s public finances are in a much stronger position since 2010. This means we have more money to invest in Northern Ireland’s future – including £320 million funding for Northern Ireland…
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This Government is committed to increasing opportunities for all, and ensuring every young person in Northern Ireland is able to fulfill their potential. Our Industrial Strategy is helping provide employment opportunities for young people by supporting businesses to thrive and grow. Overall…
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The public consultation was launched on 11 May and ran for 21 weeks. The Government engaged with a wide range of stakeholders, victims’ and survivors’ groups, political parties, community groups and others, and attended over 30 events to promote it. We are carefully considering all the…
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Supporting efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland remains an important part of my Department’s work, though most of the responsibility for policy and delivery in these areas would normally fall to the devolved administration. The Government does, however, continue to…
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The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) has not made any estimates of the amount of funding Northern Ireland has received from European Union grants, or loans from the European Investment Bank since 1998. The information requested is not held by the NIO and gathering the information could not be provided…
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HM Treasury has already allocated over £4.2 billion of additional funding to departments and the devolved administrations for EU exit preparations so far. This includes the £1.5 billion of additional funding HM Treasury announced at Autumn Budget 2017 for 2018/19. A full breakdown of how…
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The mapping exercise carried out recently by the Irish Government is a matter for them. The UK and the EU have agreed the terms of the UK’s smooth and orderly exit from the EU in the form of the Withdrawal Agreement, and a detailed political declaration on the terms of our future…
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The Government has a duty to inform citizens and businesses about how leaving the EU might affect them, and to advise on the steps they may need to take to prepare for EU Exit. A cross-departmental public information campaign has been developed to help achieve this. Over the coming weeks, my…
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On 20 December 2018, there were 165 staff working in my Department. In July 2016, (the nearest date we have for June staff numbers), there were 115 staff working in my department.
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Information prior to 2011 is not held. Since 2011, my Department has entered into four non-disclosure agreements.
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Staff across the Department are engaged in various aspects of work for planning to leave the EU without a deal. The number of staff in the central EU Exit team is 16. Additional staff were recruited to fill these roles and no staff were moved from other projects to work in these roles.
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My Department is currently carrying out a prioritisation exercise as part of its contingency planning. At the time of answering, no projects have been put on hold due to the requirements of planning for the UK to leave the EU without a deal.
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The introduction of a mental health strategy in Northern Ireland, as a devolved matter, is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Department of Health. The Department is developing a five year plan for mental health with the focus on improving the general mental health of people in Northern…
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During the time-limited implementation period, EU law will continue to apply in the UK subject to the terms set out in the Withdrawal Agreement. After the implementation period, all laws in the UK will be passed by our elected representatives in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London. The Political…
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The Northern Ireland Office invited a range of business and community sector stakeholders to take part in the event in Parliament. The Department did not finance their visit.
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I have regular discussions with the Irish Government, concerning a range of issues including the UK’s exit from the EU. The Government does not want or expect a no deal scenario. We firmly believe it is in the interests of both the EU and the UK to strike a deal, and we remain confident we…
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Policing is a devolved matter; the PSNI’s main budget is allocated by the Department of Justice from the Northern Ireland block grant, through the Policing Board. Operational capability and policing matters are a matter for the Chief Constable, with whom I maintain regular contact. The UK…
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We are committed to a future partnership on security, policing and justice with the EU, including Ireland, which will allow the PSNI to continue to tackle national security threats, serious and organised crime. Policing is a devolved matter and operational policing capability is a matter for the…
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Policing is a devolved matter and the PSNI’s main budget is allocated by the Department of Justice from the Northern Ireland block grant, through the Policing Board. Operational policing matters are a matter for the Chief Constable, with whom I maintain regular contact. The UK Government has…
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The Northern Ireland Office has used the following quantity of (a) electricity and (b) natural gas in each of the last three years: (a) electricity 2017/18 - 792,333 Kwh2016/17 - 805,366 Kwh2015/16 - 850,490 Kwh (b) natural gas 2017/18 - 17,410 m32016/17 - 18,133 m32015/16 - 22,803 m3
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The Northern Ireland Office does not hold this information.
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I do not have a role in setting the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland’s budget or monitoring the spend on legal proceedings. Responsibility for the Equality Commission’s functions and powers is devolved; it is sponsored by the Executive Office in Northern Ireland, which approves…
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The Government does not hold the requested information on convictions as this is a matter for the independent prosecuting authorities and the courts.
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Restoring devolution in Northern Ireland remains a top priority for the UK Government. I am in regular discussion with the five main political parties towards that objective. I set out the Government's approach to the House of Commons on 6 September and have had subsequent meetings with all the…
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I have regular contact with the Irish Government on a range of matters. All such discussions are in accordance with the three stranded approach to Northern Ireland affairs. I last met the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach on 2 September.
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The threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism continues to be SEVERE in Northern Ireland, meaning an attack is highly likely.Our response to terrorism and paramilitary activity is coordinated, effective and fully resourced.This Government remains fully committed to keeping people safe and…
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The Government is carefully considering the full judgment of the Supreme Court. This is clearly a complex area of law, and an extremely sensitive subject matter, which raises a number of different substantive and procedural issues to consider. I am fully committed to facilitating the ongoing work…
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The Government has no plans to amend the law on abortion in either England and Wales or Northern Ireland. Abortion has always been a devolved matter in Northern Ireland. The Government's priority is therefore restoring devolved government, so that the people of Northern Ireland, and locally elected…
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On Friday 22nd June, the Commonwealth Games Federation Executive Board resolved to begin discussions and invite expressions of interest from other Commonwealth cities who wish to build on the successes of Samoa 2015 and Bahamas 2017 and host the 2021 edition of the Youth Games.I share the…
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As announced at Autumn Budget 2017, the Government will report at the next Budget on the outcome of this Call for Evidence.
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The Government continues to engage closely with the political parties and the Irish Government as appropriate, to restore the Executive. This remains a top priority.
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The Government has committed to commissioning a detailed consultative report into the impact of VAT and APD on tourism in Northern Ireland, to recommend how best to build upon the growing success of that sector.
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There is no protocol which the officials of other Governments should follow when visiting the United Kingdom. There is therefore no protocol which should be observed by Irish officials visiting Northern Ireland.
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The Northern Ireland Office does not hold information regarding the number of such meetings, many of which were not hosted by the Department.
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Abortion is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland. I am aware of the many strongly held views across all sides of the debate on this extremely sensitive issue. My priority is to secure the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland, so that locally elected, democratically accountable…
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Following discussions with my officials, the Home Office has confirmed that the criteria in Northern Ireland for the UK Border Force opens up the recruitment campaign to a representative profile of candidates. The Border Force has confirmed that it values the experience of people who have worked in…
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The Government continues to engage closely with the political parties, and the Irish Government as appropriate, to encourage and support work towards an accommodation to restore the Executive. This remains a top priority.
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A response was belatedly issued on 31 May 2018 to the letter from the hon Member for Bradford South of 6 December 2017. This was due to an administrative error, for which I would like to apologise to the hon Member.
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I have regular meetings with the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union.
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Holding answer received on 22 May 2018
The Security Service assesses the level of threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism, and makes this assessment independently of Government and ministers. The threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism in Northern Ireland is currently assessed…
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Holding answer received on 22 May 2018
The PSNI are engaged in ongoing discussions with representatives from both the NIO and other Whitehall departments on a wide range of matters, including the security implications of a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland…
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Holding answer received on 22 May 2018
I met Northern Ireland’s five largest political parties recently to explore how we might achieve the restoration of devolved government while ensuring the good governance of Northern Ireland in the interim. I will continue to engage closely with…
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I am aware of the judgment released on 14 May on the Buick vs Department for Infrastructure case and the UK Government is considering its potential impact.Considering the importance of this judgment and the questions of law involved, I note the NICS decision to appeal. It will be valuable to have…
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It remains my view that a majority of the people of Northern Ireland continue to support the union and that the circumstances requiring a border poll are not satisfied.
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Established practice is that the Northern Ireland Office is officially informed about Irish Government visits to Northern Ireland by the Irish Side of the British Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat. With regard to visits to the rest of the UK, the practice is for the Irish Government to arrange…
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I would refer the hon Member to my previous answer of 8 May 2018. The PSNI have been, and will continue to be, fully engaged in ongoing constructive meetings with representatives from both the Northern Ireland Office and other Whitehall departments on a wide range of matters, including the security…
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I have regular conversations with the Home Secretary on a range of issues. I reiterate the Government’s clear commitment to there being no hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, and no physical infrastructure or related checks and controls at the border. The Border Force…
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While the UK Government has taken steps to introduce a Children’s Funeral Fund in England to spare grieving families the burden of meeting funeral costs, the establishment of such a scheme in Northern Ireland is a devolved matter. It is my sincere hope that an Executive will be restored to…
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As the number of non-disclosure agreements in the last five years is fewer than five, in order to comply with Data Protection Act requirements I am unable to provide this number as a full answer would risk the identification of individuals.
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The Northern Ireland Office is informed in advance of any visits to Northern Ireland by Irish Government Ministers, through the British Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat. It is not the responsibility of the NIO to inform local representatives.
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The Northern Ireland Office was officially informed about this visit by the Irish side of the British Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat on Sunday 29th April. The information provided included details of venues to be visited and outline timings.
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The Northern Ireland Office had no discussions with the EU Commission on the visit to Northern Ireland by Michel Barnier on 30 April and 1 May 2018.
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My ministerial team and I observe the correct parliamentary protocols on notifying the sitting MP when making a visit to a Northern Ireland constituency.
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I recently held bilateral discussions with party leaders in Belfast to talk about next steps in Northern Ireland and I will meet the parties again shortly. During our discussions, I reviewed the current position with them and explored how the restoration of devolution might be achieved while…
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This government has presided over a period where Economic output in Northern Ireland continues to rise, and the export market has rapidly expanded. Unemployment levels are close to an all-time low, and 52,000 more people are in work compared to 2010. The recent announcement by Bombardier is yet…
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The UK as a whole will be leaving the Customs Union.This Government is committed to delivering a Brexit that upholds the Belfast Agreement and the commitments that we have made to the people of Northern Ireland to avoid a hard border with Ireland and any border down the Irish Sea.
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Holding answer received on 08 May 2018
I have discussions with the leaders and representatives of the political parties in Northern Ireland on an ongoing basis. During these discussions we cover a range of issues, but the focus is always on the restoration of devolved Government in Northern…
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Holding answer received on 08 May 2018
The PSNI have been, and will continue to be, fully engaged in ongoing constructive meetings with representatives from both the NIO and other Whitehall departments on a wide range of matters, including the potential implications of the UK leaving the…
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My Department has not introduced any regulations as a result of EU legislation since 23 June 2016.We do not expect to introduce any regulations as a result of EU legislation in 2018 and 2019.
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I met Northern Ireland’s five largest political parties on Thursday 26th April. I reviewed the current position with them and explored how we might achieve the restoration of devolution while ensuring the good governance of Northern Ireland in the interim.
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I have met with the Chair of the Policing Board, and have discussed this matter with the Chief Constable. Both are keen that political representation on the Policing Board should be restored as soon as possible to ensure proper governance and accountability. I have also raised this issue with party…
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The Government has set out several public commitments, including in the Budget and in the Confidence and Supply Agreement, to work towards a ‘comprehensive and ambitious’ set of City Deals across Northern Ireland.A timetable has not been set to deliver a City Deal, however officials…
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Pursuant to my answer to PQ UIN 137040, proposals for a City Deal are currently being developed.As with all City Deals it is important that proposals align with the economic ambitions and priorities of the devolved region and in the absence of an Executive the ongoing engagement between Derry City…
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The Belfast Agreement provides that people born in Northern Ireland may choose to be identified as British, Irish or both. The Government remains fully committed to the Agreement. The UK Government does not accord any additional rights to those who assert their right to Irish Citizenship.
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I have not had any meetings with the Attorney General of Northern Ireland or officials in the Northern Ireland Department of Justice since my appointment.
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Justice is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland and should be overseen by a restored Executive at Stormont.
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In accordance with the Belfast Agreement, this is a devolved matter which should be addressed in the NI Assembly; but the power of the Westminster Parliament to legislate remains unaffected. If this issue were to be raised in Westminster, the Government’s policy is to allow a free vote on…
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Since my appointment as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, I have been deeply moved by the stories I’ve heard about the suffering that victims and survivors of the Troubles have experienced. The UK Government has a duty to move forward on this important issue so that victims and…
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As I told the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on 31 January, I am considering Trevor Reaney’s advice carefully and will update the House when I have made my decision.
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First and foremost I would like to extend my deepest condolences to all those across the UK who have been affected by appalling and devastating acts of terrorism, including those affected by the Hyde Park atrocity.As my honourable friend knows legal aid decisions are made independently of…
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The UK Government will continue to undertake all efforts to support Bombardier and defend UK interests against the unjustified and unwarranted case brought by Boeing regarding the C-Series programme.I look forward to engaging with the company, its workforce and wider stakeholders on this issue. All…
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I would be happy to consider any formal invitations which may be forthcoming from any sectors of the community, including those which focus specifically on education. I understand that Northern Ireland Office Ministers have had a number of valuable and enjoyable visits to the honourable…
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I am considering Trevor Reaney’s advice carefully and will respond to his recommendations in due course.
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The Government is committed to doing all it can to get devolution up and running in Northern Ireland and will outline plans for further talks shortly.
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Treasury
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has had discussions with the Prudential Regulation Authority on the potential impact of the proposals in its Consultation Paper 16/22 on the Implementation of the Basel 3.1 standards page 96 paragraph 3.17 on the capital requirements of challenger…
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To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact that proposals to remove the SME support factor in the PRA Consultation CP 16/22 on the Implementation of the Basel 3.1 standards para 4.131 p 144 - para 4.127 p146 on UK competitiveness.
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To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has had discussions with the Prudential Regulation Authority on the potential impact of the proposals in its Consultation Paper 16/22 on the Implementation of the Basel 3.1 standards, page 96 paragraph 3.17, on the cost to small and medium-sized…
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To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of extending the temporary reduction of VAT for businesses in the hospitality sector beyond 31 of March 2022.
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To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the VAT reduction for hospitality and tourism to alcohol to help support pubs during the covid-19 outbreak.
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To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the report entitled Coronavirus Survey Report, published by the APPG on Challenger Banks and Building Societies, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of the recommendations in that report; and if he will make a statement.
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To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department has taken to ensure that a repeat of the Wirecard collapse could not occur in the UK.
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To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the regulatory response to the collapse of Wirecard; and if he will make a statement.
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To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the implications of the Wirecard collapse for (a) UK financial regulation and (b) future financial services regulation.
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To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department has taken to help protect UK-based challenger banks and other financial institutions from the potential future collapse of a payment processor company.
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To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to make it easier for UK-based financial institutions to work with multiple payment processors.
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To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the covid-19 pandemic on the UK challenger banks sector; and if he will make a statement.
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To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the covid-19 pandemic on UK building societies; and if he will make a statement.
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To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the covid-19 pandemic on the UK Credit Union sector; and if he will make a statement.
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