Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Nicholas Winterton (Conservative). It was answered on Wednesday, 24 March 2010 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Security Situation

Question: The Northern Executive, fully supported by the majority of the people of Northern Ireland, not least the Unionist population, have achieved huge success, with major concessions to the nationalist population. Will the Secretary of State confirm to the House that there is now absolutely no need whatever for any paramilitary activity, unless it is by a hard core of people who want to destroy the peace, stability and economic success of Northern Ireland?

Answer: The House will know of the historic vote that took place in Stormont on 9 March—nearly all parties in the cross-party community vote were in support. I simply say to the hon. Gentleman that there never has been a need for any paramilitary activity: not then, not now, not in future. As for concessions, we need to understand this as a matter not of concessions, but of power sharing. Both sides may have compromised, but they have done so for the good of everybody in Northern Ireland.

Secondary information