Important Amendments on the Northern Ireland Bill

On Tuesday 9 July 2019 Parliament debated the third reading of the Northern Ireland Executive Formation Bill. The Bill was a Parliamentary measure to maintain the Government in Northern Ireland which has not had an executive since March 2017.

I voted for the extension of same-sex marriage and abortion to Northern Ireland, bringing it in line with the rest of the UK. These passed with overwhelming majorities. I also supported measures that would prevent the next Prime Minister from proroguing Parliament to force a No Deal exit. Although two of these amendments were defeated one passed, ensuring that the Government must report to Parliament every two weeks after September.

There were several important amendments to the Bill:

New Clause 1 – Conor McGinn MP

Requiring Parliament to put forward secondary legislation to extend equal marriage to Northern Ireland unless a Northern Ireland Executive is formed by 21 October 2019. I voted For.

The amendment passed by 310. (Ayes: 383, Noes: 73)

New Clause 10 – Stella Creasy MP

Requiring UK Government to put forward secondary legislation to legalise abortion in Northern Ireland. I voted For.

The amendment passed by 233. (Ayes: 332, Noes: 99)

 Amendment 6 – Julian Lewis MP

Placing a duty on the Secretary of State to report on the options available to veterans of the Troubles to assist in a truth recovery process without fear of prosecution. I voted against.

The amendment passed by 80 (Ayes: 308, Noes: 99)

Amendment 15 – Dominic Grieve QC MP

Requires fortnightly reports to be made to Parliament, on the progress of forming the Northern Ireland Executive. I voted For.

The amendment passed by 1. (Ayes: 294, Noes: 293)

Amendment 16 – Dominic Grieve QC MP

Requiring fortnightly reports on gambling law in Northern Ireland after conference recess. I voted For.

The amendment was defeated by 3. (Ayes: 289, Noes: 292)

Amendment 17 – Dominic Grieve QC MP

Requiring a debate on the fortnightly reports made to Parliament by the Government.

The amendment was defeated by 4. (Ayes: 289, Noes: 293)

The Bill now goes to Committee Stage in the House of Lords for further discussion on 15 July 2019.