Tag: Northern Ireland Office

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 8 June 2023.

The UK Government has today formally tabled significant amendments to legislation seeking to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

The move comes ahead of the Report Stage of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, scheduled to proceed in the House of Lords later this month.

The legislation aims to deliver better outcomes for all those most affected by the Troubles, while helping society to look forward.

The latest amendments seek to address a number of key concerns raised since the Bill’s introduction, including by victims and survivors.

They include:

• Allowing ongoing criminal investigations, inquests, the consideration of prosecution decisions, and the publication of reports, to continue until May 2024, ensuring a smooth transition between the ending of the current mechanisms and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) taking on full responsibility for dealing with legacy cases.
• Placing the ICRIR under a new duty to offer victims and their families the opportunity to submit personal impact statements. These statements must be published if the person making the statement so wishes, subject to limited exceptions.
• Placing the ICRIR under a new duty requiring it to take reasonable steps to secure information relevant to the assessment of the truth of a person’s account as part of their application for immunity.
• The revocation of immunity if an individual is subsequently convicted of terrorism offences or offences connected to terrorism committed after immunity was granted .
• Expressly confirming that the Commissioner for Investigations, when exercising operational control over the conduct of reviews, must comply with obligations imposed by the Human Rights Act 1998.
• Placing a new duty on the ICRIR to publish a statement explaining how each review was conducted as part of its final report, thus enhancing the transparency of its work.
• Placing a duty on the ICRIR to produce guidance which is related to determining a request for immunity. This will replace a power which currently sits with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, said:

“The Government has consistently stated that it would continue constructive dialogue in order to alleviate concerns and strengthen the Bill. That is why we have published a number of significant amendments that directly address a number of key concerns raised by interested parties.

“This includes amendments on the conduct of reviews, compliance with Convention Rights, the independence of the Commission, conditional immunity, and ongoing legal processes.

“We remain absolutely committed to making legislative progress so that the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) can be established, and begin delivering better outcomes for those most affected by the Troubles, as swiftly as possible.”

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 6 June 2023.

The UK Government is updating the requirements for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) curriculum in Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris has announced today (Tuesday 6 June).

The Secretary of State is under a statutory duty under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019 to implement recommendation 86(d) of the Report of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination of Women (CEDAW).

The Regulations will amend the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, and the Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 in relation to Key Stage 3 and 4.

They will make age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion, a compulsory component of curriculum for adolescents.

They will also place a duty on the Department of Education to issue guidance on the content and delivery of the education to be provided by 1 January 2024.

The Department will also be under a statutory duty to make Regulations about the circumstances in which at the request of a parent, a pupil may be excused from receiving that education, or specified elements of that education.

Consultation with parents on Relationship and Sexuality Education is already common practice in Northern Ireland and we expect the Department of Education to ensure schools afford parents the opportunity to review relevant materials.

The Regulations, in practice, will result in educating adolescents on issues such as how to prevent a pregnancy, the legal right to an abortion in Northern Ireland, and how relevant services may be accessed.

This should be done in a factual way that does not advocate, nor oppose, a particular view on the moral and ethical considerations of abortion or contraception.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Chris Heaton-Harris, said:

“It is fundamental for their wellbeing that adolescents in Northern Ireland have access to age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights that covers access to abortion and contraception.

“Today I have made Regulations that will amend the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, and the Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 to introduce compliant education, in line with recommendations from the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

“I look forward to working with the Department of Education to ensure the delivery and implementation of these measures, which will include meaningful engagement with young people, teachers and parents.”

The press release issued by the Department of Northern Ireland on 5 June 2023.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 2 June 2023.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 31 May 2023.

The UK Government has committed £5m to support the recommendations of a memorialisation strategy that will be commissioned through the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill currently progressing through Parliament.

Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, made the announcement following a visit to the recently opened ‘Northern Ireland: Living with the Troubles exhibition’ at the Imperial War Museum in London.

The expert-led memorialisation strategy will aim to identify, and fund, inclusive new structures and initiatives to remember those who were lost during the conflict, and help ensure that the terrible events of the past can never be allowed to happen again.

Separately, the Government has also confirmed details of a digitisation project to make Troubles-related records held at The National Archives more readily available to all, virtually and free of charge.

The first phase of this is the launch of a new web portal bringing together in one place government files which are focused on the situation in Northern Ireland from 1994 up to and including the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement in 1998.

Mr Heaton-Harris said:

It was my privilege to visit the Imperial War Museum’s exhibition on the Northern Ireland Troubles. Showcasing new artefacts and oral histories, this moving exhibition is an excellent example of how we can remember and learn from the events of the past in an inclusive way through multiple experiences.

I’m therefore delighted that the UK Government has today committed £5m to support the recommendations of the memorialisation strategy that will be commissioned through the Government’s Legacy Bill.

It will build on important work that has already been done in this space, while taking account of international best-practice. Most importantly, it will seek to work on the basis of consensus, providing opportunities for victims, families, civil society and other interested parties to contribute and shape outcomes. I look forward to announcing further details in due course.

Commenting on the digitisation project, Mr Heaton-Harris added:

I welcome the launch of this online initiative which demonstrates the Government’s commitment to making accessible as much information as possible about an important period of Northern Ireland’s complex history. By encouraging reflection and consideration of our Troubled past, we can hopefully recognise the progress made since the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and towards a shared and more prosperous future.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 26 May 2023.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland honoured the crucial work by civic society to support the peace process in Northern Ireland over the past 25 years.

The Secretary of State has this evening (25 May) honoured the crucial work by civic society to support the peace process over the past 25 years at a reception in the iconic Game of Thrones Studio Tour.

The reception, part of the Northern Ireland Office’s programme to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, was held three days after the 25th anniversary of the two referenda in  Northern Ireland and Ireland in which 71% of people in Northern Ireland voted ‘yes’ to the Agreement.

Representatives from community organisations, charities, and public servants who have supported Northern Ireland’s transformation came together to reflect upon the peace, prosperity and other benefits delivered by the Agreement, while looking towards the next 25 years. It also offered the opportunity to acknowledge civic society’s ongoing contribution to the peace settlement.

Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris paid tribute to the incredible work of community organisations and charities in supporting reconciliation between communities, which created the conditions for prosperity which allowed Northern Ireland’s film industry to flourish and to attract world – leading productions such as Game of Thrones.

According to the latest figures, screen tourism played a part in attracting one in six out-of-state visitors, accounting for 350,000 visitors and over £50m for the local economy.

The Secretary of State said:

The people of Northern Ireland, in voting ‘yes’ in the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement referendum, demonstrated their commitment to setting aside their differences, breaking down barriers between communities and building a better future together.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to those members of civic society who have worked tirelessly to make that vision of a better, brighter future a reality which they will pass on to the next generation.

It’s the work of many that has seen Northern Ireland move from peace to prosperity. As a result of that transformative power of peace we have seen the establishment of a thriving screen and film production and tourism industries of which the Game of Thrones Studio Tour is a shining example.

The UK Government remains committed to the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, and to continuing to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland, to make it an even better place to live, work and do business.

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios is renowned as a filming location for iconic scenes from the multi award-winning television production Game of Thrones. The Banbridge venue is the world’s only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour, featuring authentic sets, costumes, and props from the global hit TV series.

Executive Director of Linen Mill Studios David Browne added:

Prior to the Good Friday Agreement, it’s difficult to conceive of circumstances where Northern Ireland would be considered as the filming home for Game of Thrones, nor that the business environment would have existed, to nurture, support and invest in the businesses required to design, build, and install everything in a facility such as this.

Along with the many local companies we have worked with, we are immensely proud of what we’ve collectively achieved.

The rave reviews from visitors from all over the world, both for our people and the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, certainly validate that pride!

In September, the UK Government will hold the Northern Ireland Investment Summit to support our vision for a prosperous 25 years ahead. The Summit is a key part of the programme to showcase the remarkable progress in Northern Ireland since the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 25 May 2023.

The Northern Ireland (Interim Arrangements) Act, which received Royal Assent yesterday (24 May 2023), also allows the UK Government to explore, with the Northern Ireland Civil Service, options for budget sustainability.

Current civil servant decision-making arrangements are due to expire on 5 June. This Act continues these powers until an Executive is formed, and in the absence of ministers enables preparatory work to take place around options for budget sustainability, including further revenue raising. Further, the Act requires that NI departmental accounts are laid in the House of Commons to increase transparency and scrutiny around how public money is spent.

This Act supports the UK Government’s focus on the restoration of the Executive and Assembly. Locally elected, accountable and effective devolved government is the right way for Northern Ireland to be governed, per the vision of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

Through this Act, the UK Government is acting  to ensure the management of public services and funds can continue, but a restored Executive is necessary to progress much needed and long promised public service transformation.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP said:

I greatly appreciate the ongoing work by Northern Ireland’s civil servants to keep public services going while we are without an Executive. While I am hopeful that locally elected ministers will once again resume their responsibilities in government, this new legislation ensures continued governance for the people of NI.

The government has a responsibility to provide this certainty, and our desire to see an Executive restored recognises that strong local devolved government offers the best way to build a brighter future for the people, communities and businesses of NI.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 11 May 2023.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has appointed The Rt Hon Sir Declan Morgan to be Chief Commissioner of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has identified The Rt Hon Sir Declan Morgan to be appointed Chief Commissioner of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

The appointment will take place following the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill receiving Royal Assent and establishment of the ICRIR, taking account of any further considerations and final requirements of Parliament.

The ICRIR is a key component of the Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, which represents the Government’s pledge to address the extremely complex and sensitive legacy of Northern Ireland’s past. It is being established as an arm’s length body that will operate independently of government.

Sir Declan, a former Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, will begin work from early next month to identify other Commissioners and to consider how the new Commission will carry out its role. He will lead the process to recruit the Commissioner for Investigations. That role is currently advertised, seeking the broadest possible field of experienced candidates, and subject to fair and open competition, with appointment on merit. In light of the announcement of the Chief Commissioner, the deadline will be extended until 01 June to allow him to lead the appointment process and form a panel.

Confirming the announcement via a written ministerial statement to Parliament, Mr Heaton-Harris said:

Sir Declan brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as former Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland from 2009-2021.  A hallmark of his distinguished career has been his commitment to addressing Northern Ireland’s past. I am confident that he will bring the highest level of experience, expertise and integrity to this post which will help build public confidence in the ICRIR.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 27 April 2023.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has set a budget for 2023-24 and introduced legislation to ensure public services can continue to function in the absence of an NI Executive.

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 20 April 2023.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has announced the reappointment of Danny Kinahan as the Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland.

Background

The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioners Office was established in September 2020 to provide a voice for veterans living in Northern Ireland to ensure fairness and safe access to services.

Terms of Appointment

The appointment is for a further term of three years, ending on 31 August 2026.

• The position is a part-time appointment.
• The position attracts a fixed remuneration of £306 per day plus expenses, with an expectation of a time requirement of 110 days per year.
• The position is not pensionable.

Biography

Danny Kinahan was appointed to the position of Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland on 27 August 2020. He is a former Army Officer, who served as Ulster Unionist Party MP for South Antrim for two years from 7 May 2015 – 3 May 2017. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for six years prior to serving as an MP.

Danny is also the co-ordinator and co-creator of the Westminster Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Group and is the Deputy Lieutenant for County Antrim.

Regulation

This appointment is not regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Political Activity

All appointments are made on merit and with regards to the statutory requirements.  Political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories to be made public.  Danny Kinahan previously declared membership of the Ulster Unionist Party and worked as a district councillor. He stood down from political life prior to taking up the appointment.