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St Patrick’s Day and Northern Irish affairs

The subject for this debate was determined by the Backbench Business Committee. The debate will be opened by Adam Jogee MP.

Saint Patrick is a figure from the 4th century who was originally from Britain but was taken to Ireland as a slave aged 16. After managing to escape, he pursued religious studies and became a cleric.

Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year on 17 March, which is believed to be the anniversary of the saint’s death. The day itself is a celebration of Irish culture and heritage, observed not just in Ireland but by the Irish diaspora worldwide: St. Patrick’s Day 2025 | Live Parades, Events, Parties & Updates

Northern Ireland is an autonomous part of the United Kingdom in the north-east of the island of Ireland. It comprises six of the nine counties of the historic province of Ulster, which was settled by Scottish and English migrants during the 17^th century. The island of Ireland was partitioned in 1921, and the rest of Ireland became independent from the UK in 1922. Since 1998 “transferred” (or devolved) matters have been the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Assembly and power-sharing Executive, although there have been occasional suspensions or periods in which the institutions have not been fully functioning. What are known as “reserved” and “excepted” matters such as defence and foreign affairs remain the responsibility of the UK Parliament at Westminster.