Speeches by Benn.

“No, I understand what you mean. It is a difficult one, because if the Government take the lead, people say, “Ah, so you are anticipating”—”

“As I said in answer to your earlier question, if a broad consensus emerges that changes are necessary to make the institutions work more effectively together in future, of course the Government would look at that, but I think that that needs to come from the parties. There may be relatively minor changes, and there cou…”

“What was the question?”

“What are the circumstances that arise—the prelude to the hypothetical question?”

“The answer to your question is that if there were proposals, of course I would look at them. But it depends what the proposals are, what the degree of consensus is and what the circumstances are. That is why, with respect, it is difficult to answer the question in a way that would satisfy one of your children. But I wi…”

“It is the Assembly Executive and Review Committee—I think have the initials right.”

“I have? Oh, good. I will take that praise, especially given where it is coming from.”

“I have met Airbus on at least two—maybe three—occasions and had discussions with them. The Spirit site is hugely important to the aerospace industry in Northern Ireland. It is a great residue of skill and talent. The manufacturer of the A220 wings is an astonishing thing to visit, as I have done. Airbus has made it qui…”

“In fairness, I think the Government have been working hard to encourage an economic commercial answer to this question, in the same way as we did with Harland & Wolff. We were in the same place—in fact, a more difficult one—in relation to Harland & Wolff, but in the end, finding a commercial outcome was a success, and …”

“As I understand it, you have written to Jonathan Reynolds.”

“Since you have asked me the question, I undertake to the Committee to follow that up with him.”

“Let me take it up with him first if that’s okay.”

“The Supreme Court judgment was in 2020, and the last Government could not find a legal solution in almost three years. I am committed to finding one, and I promise that I will update the House when we have found it.”

“I listen carefully to all the representations that are made to me, including in that report, which I have read. I am committed to introducing legislation as soon as possible, although that is subject to the availability of parliamentary time. This Government came into office absolutely committed to remedying the absolu…”

“The Government have begun the process of repealing and replacing the previous Government’s legacy Act. The draft remedial order in Parliament represents the first step. The Government will address the other issues arising from several court findings of incompatibility in primary legislation.”

“The Government and I support the Union, and I also support the Good Friday agreement. I point out to the hon. and learned Gentleman that when it comes to customs arrangements, there are no mandatory checks. There are checks that apply generally on the basis of risk and intelligence.”

“The Union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which we will discuss next month at the East-West Council, remains strong. The deal with the EU will enable the smooth flow of agrifood and plants within the UK’s internal market. That is why it has been overwhelmingly welcomed by businesses.”

“The hon. Gentleman is right to point out that EU retaliatory tariffs directed at the USA would have an impact in Northern Ireland, because of its dual-market access. I can write to him with further details of how precisely that would work. It depends partly on whether there is less or more than a 3% difference between …”

“The trade deal with the USA, together with the agreements with the EU and India, are very significant. Northern Ireland exporters, including those exporting services, technology and farming goods, will benefit in the same way as those in other parts of the UK. In particular, the US deal is a major opportunity for North…”

“I share with the hon. Member and the whole House a wish to see lasting peace in the middle east, and what is happening at the moment is appalling and intolerable. However, I think the most important lesson from the Good Friday agreement was the courageous political leadership shown by the parties to the conflict—people…”