Tag: Northern Ireland Office

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 26 November 2024.

This follows a recent visit to Fort Hill Integrated College in Lisburn alongside Education Secretary.

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Fleur Anderson visited Fort Hill Integrated College in Lisburn alongside Education Secretary, the Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP.

The visit followed the recent Budget announcement of £730,000 in additional funding to raise awareness of integrated education and support schools in Northern Ireland as they work towards integrated status.

The Minister and Education Secretary also met with key stakeholders in the integrated education sector, including the Integrated Education Fund and Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education.

They are recipients of UKG funding to support their work with schools, parents and the wider public to raise awareness of the integrated sector and support schools through the process of transforming to integrated status.

Speaking after the visit, Minister Anderson said:

This was a fantastic visit and I was honoured to show the Education Secretary the positive impacts of integrated education in supporting reconciliation and promoting a culture of tolerance in society.

The UK Government is wholly committed to supporting more schools in Northern Ireland to become integrated schools as an essential aspect of the reconciliation process in Northern Ireland.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 26 September 2024.

The Northern Ireland Office minister Fleur Anderson has visited the Church of the Holy Name in Greenisland to show solidarity following a recent arson attack.

The Church provides an integral service to local people through a community shop and a range of activities that involve all ages as well as offering a place for parishioners to gather.

It was badly damaged in a fire on September 1.

Minister Anderson, who is Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the NIO, spoke with the Rev Dr Isobel Hawthorne-Steele, Minister of the Church about the attack and viewed the scale of the destruction.

She also heard about the experiences of the community in the aftermath of the attack.

Minister Anderson said: “The discussions I had with Rev Dr Hawthorne-Steele were very constructive.

“It was sad to see the scale of the destruction to a place that is a beacon of hope for many in the community.

“It was encouraging to hear the positive support shown by local churches in Greenisland, the understanding shown to the families of the young boys involved and the plans for the future rebuilding.

“I stand in solidarity with this entire community and I commend their resilience and forgiveness.

“I must also commend the quick response of the Northern Ireland Fire Service, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, for their valiant efforts in tackling the blaze.”

The Rev Dr Hawthorne-Steele said:

“Having met with the minister it was encouraging to learn that she is a fellow community practitioner with extensive experience in building community cohesion and promoting transformative grassroots initiatives.

“Having spent considerable time chatting and seeing first hand the devastation caused by the fire to our parish centre and church, the minister captured the full impact of the far-reaching consequences on our church and the wider community that this disaster has caused.

“As a church, we greatly appreciate the fact that the minister acknowledged the efforts we are making to grow resilience in partnership with multi-faceted groups and organisations that work within this local area as we rebuild and renew our faith by revealing God’s grace.”

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 19 September 2024.

The Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has today (19 September) announced members to the Independent Monitoring Panel and the UK Government’s commitment to Intertrade UK

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has today appointed Anna Jerzewska, Alastair Hamilton and Aidan Reilly as members of the new Windsor Framework Independent Monitoring Panel.

Speaking at the 25th Anniversary Summit of the Centre for Cross Border Studies in Dundalk, Co. Louth, he also underlined the new Government’s commitment to the establishment of Intertrade UK, which will be chaired by Baroness Foster.

These two bodies were proposed in the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper which facilitated the return of Stormont earlier this year.

The Secretary of State said: 

This Government is committed to implementing the Windsor Framework and taking all steps necessary to protect the UK internal market.

I look forward to working with Baroness Foster in her role as Chair of Intertrade UK, as it begins its work facilitating and boosting trade across the UK. Her knowledge and experience will be crucial in promoting the opportunities that are available to businesses, further strengthening Northern Ireland’s place in the UK internal market, and helping deliver on this Government’s mission to drive economic growth.

The Independent Monitoring Panel will play a key role in monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the Windsor Framework. I am pleased that three highly respected experts have agreed to join the panel, and welcome them to their roles.

Baroness Arlene Foster, Chair of Intertrade UK said: 

I want to thank the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for confirming my new role as Chair of Intertrade UK.

I am very much looking forward to taking up the role in order to promote trade within the UK internal market – something I am passionate about.

I also look forward to working with the members of the Independent Monitoring Panel in providing advice and facilitation to help businesses expand their activities across the UK and to strengthen these important economic links.

Intertrade UK is set to launch as a new body which is dedicated to enhancing trade across the UK. Its mission is to offer guidance and support to businesses, helping them expand their reach within the UK internal market and serve consumers in all parts of the UK. It will also conduct research and publish insights aimed at advancing domestic trade and showcasing the full potential of the UK’s  market to businesses and traders.

The Independent Monitoring Panel will monitor and report on the implementation of the Windsor Framework so that Government and other authorities are held to account.

Note to editors: 

Biographies for the new Windsor Framework Independent Monitoring Panel, are as follows:

Aidan Reilly is a retired former Director of Customs Policy and Strategy at HMRC, with 17 years experience in the Department in a variety of roles.

Dr Anna Jerzewska is a Customs and international trade advisor and Founder and Director at Trade and Borders. She is a former HMRC Official and Customs Specialist at KPMG, EY and PwC, and Associate Fellow of the UK Trade Policy Observatory.

Alastair Hamilton CBE is a non-executive director at Danske Bank since May 2020, former CEO of Invest Northern Ireland (2009 – 2019), and Chief Economic Adviser to the First Minister of Northern Ireland (2008 – 2009).

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 18 September 2024.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland today signed the financial deal for Derry-Londonderry and Strabane City region, alongside Northern Ireland’s Executive Ministers.

Speaking after the official signing of Derry-Londonderry and Strabane City Region City Deal, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said:

I am delighted that the Derry-Londonderry and Strabane City Region City Deal is proceeding as planned, and proud to sign the deal on behalf of the UK Government.

It’s going to provide support to so many important initiatives which will positively impact the lives of local people, including the regeneration of the waterfront in Derry, and of Strabane town centre.

The digital and innovation projects which the UK Government is investing in through this deal will deliver a fantastic economic boost and opportunities for residents of the entire North West region.

Exciting projects such as the £39 million new combined Cognitive Analytics and Digital Robotics Centre (CADRC), will deliver cutting-edge research and innovation.

A new School of Medicine/ Personalised Medicine Centre will develop research capabilities at Ulster University’s Magee Campus, complemented by educational facilities at Altnagelvin Hospital campus.

I congratulate everyone involved for their hard work and dedication over many years to reach this important milestone. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have on local people and businesses.

Notes to editors:

For the full Derry-Londonderry City and Strabane press release click here.

The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 29 August 2024.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Hilary Benn MP, has announced the appointment of Nazia Latif to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

Nazia Latif will take up the appointment with effect from 1 September 2024 for a period of three years.

Background

The Equality Commission was established in 1999, as part of the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. It took over the functions of the Fair Employment Commission, Equal Opportunities Commission, and Council for Racial Equality and Northern Ireland Disability Council.

The Commission is responsible for policing the Statutory Duty on all public authorities in Northern Ireland to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity across a range of areas including religion, political opinion, gender, race, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability and those with and without dependants. The Commission is funded and sponsored by The Executive Office.

Further information about the work of the Commission can be found at:

https://www.equalityni.org/Home

Biography of Appointee

Nazia is Co-Founder of Right Practice, where she helps organisations meet their human rights and equality commitments. She has worked with clients in Northern Ireland and internationally on a range of research and training projects, including the Asia Pacific Forum and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise. She is currently an Authority Member of the Regulation, Quality and Improvement Authority. She also serves on the NI Committee of the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust and is an Independent Assessor for Diversity Mark. Nazia previously held the position of Investigations and Policy adviser at the NI Human Rights Commission. Nazia is a graduate of Queen’s University Belfast, completed her MA at the University of Durham and completed her PhD at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Terms of Appointment

• This position is part-time for a period of three years ending on 31 August 2027.
• The position receives a fixed annual remuneration of £5,000.
• The position is not pensionable.

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.

Nazia Latif has declared that she has not been politically active in the past five years.

Regulation

The appointment process has been regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointment (OCPA) and all stages of the process were overseen by an independent panel member.

Statutory Requirements

The Secretary of State makes appointments to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland in accordance with the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 29 August 2024.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Hilary Benn MP, has announced the appointment of Mairead Holder as a Commissioner to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

Mrs Holder will take up the appointment with effect from 1 September 2024.

Mrs Holder is currently a Barrister and Official Solicitor for Northern Ireland. Mairead formerly held the position of Senior Principal Legal Officer on Human Rights for the Attorney General’s Office.

Background

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (the ‘NIHRC’) was created by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, as part of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.
The NIHRC was established in 1999 and operates as an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Northern Ireland Office.
Its powers and duties are set out in legislation, and it operates in compliance with UN General Assembly resolution 48/134 (the ‘Paris Principles’) on National Human Rights Institutions. The NIHRC’s functions include keeping under review the adequacy and effectiveness in Northern Ireland of law and practice relating to the protection of human rights and promoting understanding and awareness of the importance of human rights in Northern Ireland.

Further information about the work of the Commission can be found at: https://nihrc.org/about-us

Terms of appointment

• This position is part-time for a period of three years ending on 31 August 2027.
• The position receives a fixed annual remuneration of £7,500.
• The position is not pensionable.

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.

Mrs Holder has declared that she has not been politically active in the past five years.

Regulation

The appointment process has been regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointment (OCPA) and all stages of the process were overseen by an independent panel member.

Statutory Requirements

The Secretary of State makes appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 29 August 2024.

The statement follows the meetings held with the South East Fermanagh Foundation, and the Victims and Survivors Forum in Belfast.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn MP yesterday (Wednesday 28 August) begun the process of consulting with victims, survivors and families as part of the Government’s commitment to repeal and replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act.

The Secretary of State held meetings with the South East Fermanagh Foundation, and the Victims and Survivors Forum in Belfast.

Speaking after his meetings, Hilary Benn said:

“I know that many victims, survivors and families felt ignored by the previous government’s approach to legacy. Indeed that is part of the reason why the Legacy Act was so widely opposed.

“In my meetings with the Victims and Survivors Forum and the South East Fermanagh Foundation today, I reiterated that the views of victims and survivors will be central to this Government’s approach to legacy.

“I am grateful to all those with whom I have spoken today, many of whom shared very personal stories about the loss of loved ones during the Troubles. I look forward to continuing discussions in the period ahead.”

Notes to editors:

• The Government has committed to finding a way forward on legacy that can command support across communities in Northern Ireland.
• In July, the Secretary of State began the process of repealing the Legacy Act’s conditional immunity scheme. Full statement here.
• The Government has also pledged to reverse the current prohibition on bringing new civil proceedings and to propose measures to allow inquests previously halted to proceed.
• The Secretary of State has also committed to consulting widely on the further changes that are needed, including strengthening the ICRIR’s independence, recognising that different people affected will hold different views about the best way forward.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 13 August 2024.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Fleur Anderson, has visited Cookstown to meet with local organisations Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network (NIRWN) and Super Stars Café.

NIRWN is a membership based organisation with a mission to amplify and articulate the voice of rural women at local, regional and strategic level. The Minister took the opportunity to hear directly from service users and members of NIRWN, discussing the most pressing priorities of rural women in Northern Ireland.

Founded in 2005, Super Stars Café is a unique and dynamic charity whose purpose is to provide learning opportunities and new skills for people with learning disabilities which are not available elsewhere.

Speaking following her visit to Co Tyrone, Minister Anderson said:

“Northern Ireland’s community sector is united on many issues and I’ve been privileged to meet many groups across Northern Ireland already.

“I wanted to take today as an opportunity to focus on the fantastic work of NIRWN and hear about the issues most pressing to women in rural communities.

“It was also great to hear about the work of the Super Stars Café and how they enable young people in the local community to reach their full potential.”

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 1 August 2024.

The Secretary of State has extended the current backdating period deadline by two years from 31 August 2024 to 31 August 2026.

As part of the UK Government’s review of the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, has today [01 August 2024] extended the current backdating period deadline by two years from 31 August 2024 to 31 August 2026.

The scheme was opened in August 2021 to provide acknowledgement payments to individuals who were permanently injured in Troubles-related incidents.

Following concerns raised by a number of individuals and organisations, including groups who represent victims and survivors of the Troubles, that some potential applicants could lose out on backdated payments, the Secretary of State has moved to ensure all potential beneficiaries of the scheme have sufficient time to consider making an application.

This extension will allow anyone deemed eligible in the five-year lifespan of the scheme to avail of a payment backdated to 2014.

Explaining his decision to extend the backdating period of the scheme, Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said: 

“Approximately 40,000 people were injured during the Troubles, and it is essential that we recognise the great hurt that was caused during this dark period in our history.

“The Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme, overseen by the Victims Payments Board, has made progress in making acknowledgement payments to permanently injured victims of the Troubles.

“But with the deadline approaching, there was a risk that some potential applicants would miss out on backdated payments. I have therefore decided to extend the period for which backdated payments are available by a further two years.

“I hope this will assist both those who have suffered and are applying to the scheme, and those who are supporting applicants.”

Notes to editor:

• The UK Government, in the absence of the NI Executive, made Regulations for this scheme in January 2020. These Regulations established ‘The Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme’ (the scheme) and provisions for the ‘Victims’ Payments Board’ (the Board). This scheme is a devolved matter and is delivered by the Victims Payments Board.
• The purpose of the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme (TPDPS) is to provide acknowledgement payments to individuals who were permanently injured in Troubles related incidents. It has been open since August 2021.
• The Regulations make it clear that payments to eligible applicants will be backdated to the date of the Stormont House Agreement (December 2014) for the first three years of the scheme’s operation. The scheme will close for new applications in August 2026, 5 years after it opened.
• The Secretary of State has the power to extend either of these dates, and both of these issues were considered as part of the Secretary of State’s review of the scheme. The full report on the review will be published before the deadline imposed by the Regulations, which is August 31st 2024.

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 11 July 2024.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, and the Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, met this evening [Thursday 11 July] at Hillsborough Castle.

The discussions marked the first official engagement between the two, and comes as both the UK and Irish Governments pledge a reset in relations. They were joined by Fleur Anderson MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Northern Ireland Office.

The Secretary of State reiterated the UK Government’s responsibility as co-signatory to the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, emphasising the importance of maintaining political stability and peace in Northern Ireland. The meeting highlighted the shared goals of the UK and Irish Governments and the importance of continued cooperation and dialogue in future.

The Secretary of State also stressed the need to address the legacy of the past in a way that is supported by victims and survivors and is compliant with human rights obligations. Mr Benn welcomed the news that the Irish Government has committed to assisting with the Omagh Bombing Inquiry and encouraged them to take all steps necessary to facilitate its work.

The Secretary of State pledged to continue  implementing the Windsor Framework in good faith, protecting the UK internal market and supporting Northern Ireland’s economy to thrive in the longer term.

Speaking afterwards, The Secretary of State said: 

“It was a pleasure to meet the Tánaiste to discuss the UK Government’s commitment to economic growth, peace and stability in Northern Ireland, and to foster renewed, close relations with our nearest neighbour.

“As co-signatory of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, I reiterated the UK Government’s commitment to work with the Irish Government for the betterment of the people of Northern Ireland.

“Our relationship with Ireland is of great importance and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Irish Government to reset and strengthen the relationship between our two countries.”