---

Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill

As the hon. Gentleman knows, I have been in the Chamber and have not been able to see the Secretary of State’s words. It is my intention, and my view, that we should continue to welcome the movement by republicans towards a more peaceful road and that we should condemn the actions of dissident republicans and loyalist paramilitaries in the threat—potential, real or otherwise—that they pose to the community. I will not be satisfied in this post, and nor will my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary, who is responsible for security, until such time as we have a definitive ceasefire from the loyalists and the dissident republicans, and verification of that by the IMC in due course. With the possible exception of my hon. Friend the Member for Foyle, there is an element of consensus on the Government amendments. I appreciate the welcome from the hon. Members for Belfast, East (Mr. Robinson) and for Belfast, North. I also appreciate my hon. Friend’s welcome for the assistance that I gave him.