I, too, thank the noble Baroness for introducing this order in her usual clear and precise way. I want also to place on the record my thanks for the meeting yesterday with the Northern Ireland Office. The officials were extremely helpful and we had a useful exchange of views and...

I, too, thank the noble Baroness for introducing this order in her usual clear and precise way. I want also to place on the record my thanks for the meeting yesterday with the Northern Ireland Office. The officials were extremely helpful and we had a useful exchange of views and...

moved Amendment No. 12: 12: Clause 1 , page 2, line 22, and insert— ““( ) In determining whether the conditions in subsection (9)(d) or (e) are fulfilled, the Director of Public Prosecutions must consider whether there is evidence of a significant relationship between A and B.”” The noble Baroness...

moved Amendment No. 12: 12: Clause 1 , page 2, line 22, and insert— ““( ) In determining whether the conditions in subsection (9)(d) or (e) are fulfilled, the Director of Public Prosecutions must consider whether there is evidence of a significant relationship between A and B.”” The noble Baroness...

I shall speak to Amendments Nos. 21, 26 and 28 tabled in my name and that of my noble friend Lord Smith of Clifton. Amendment No. 21 is consequential on Amendment No. 20, while Amendments Nos. 26 and 28 employ a similar argument in relation to national security. The new...

I shall speak to Amendments Nos. 21, 26 and 28 tabled in my name and that of my noble friend Lord Smith of Clifton. Amendment No. 21 is consequential on Amendment No. 20, while Amendments Nos. 26 and 28 employ a similar argument in relation to national security. The new...

I thank the noble and learned Lord for giving me his explanation of how he feels the DPP will know exactly what the strength of the friendship is. I still find it difficult to imagine how he will come to that conclusion and from where he will draw his knowledge....

I thank the noble and learned Lord for giving me his explanation of how he feels the DPP will know exactly what the strength of the friendship is. I still find it difficult to imagine how he will come to that conclusion and from where he will draw his knowledge....

I speak to Amendment No. 13 in the group. At Second Reading, we spoke about our concern at the Director of Public Prosecutions’ deciding the mode of trial. We very much believe that there should be some form of judicial involvement in the node of trial decision. During Committee in...

I speak to Amendment No. 13 in the group. At Second Reading, we spoke about our concern at the Director of Public Prosecutions’ deciding the mode of trial. We very much believe that there should be some form of judicial involvement in the node of trial decision. During Committee in...

moved Amendment No. 22: 22: Clause 14 , page 12, line 47, leave out from beginning to end of line 2 on page 13 The noble Baroness said: Clause 14 severely limits the capacity of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to investigate anything connected with national security. The proposed...

moved Amendment No. 22: 22: Clause 14 , page 12, line 47, leave out from beginning to end of line 2 on page 13 The noble Baroness said: Clause 14 severely limits the capacity of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to investigate anything connected with national security. The proposed...

I thank the Minister for his response but he will understand my disappointment with it. I recognise that the same will apply to England and Wales; nevertheless, that does not diminish my suggestion that questions need to be asked if they have human rights implications. That goes across the board,...

I thank the Minister for his response but he will understand my disappointment with it. I recognise that the same will apply to England and Wales; nevertheless, that does not diminish my suggestion that questions need to be asked if they have human rights implications. That goes across the board,...

I shall speak to Amendments Nos. 4, 5, 7 and 8 in the group which are intended to tighten up the criteria that the DPP could use for issuing a certificate to conduct a trial without a jury. At the moment the bar is set very low in the Bill,...

I shall speak to Amendments Nos. 4, 5, 7 and 8 in the group which are intended to tighten up the criteria that the DPP could use for issuing a certificate to conduct a trial without a jury. At the moment the bar is set very low in the Bill,...

My Lords, as the Minister said at the outset, enormous changes have taken place in Northern Ireland in the past few years. That is reflected in the region’s vibrant economy. I well remember first visiting, 10 or more years ago, with the Police Negotiating Board. To show how much things...

My Lords, as the Minister said at the outset, enormous changes have taken place in Northern Ireland in the past few years. That is reflected in the region’s vibrant economy. I well remember first visiting, 10 or more years ago, with the Police Negotiating Board. To show how much things...

My Lords, it is, of course, extremely disappointing that we are still here today debating the necessity for the Bill as it touches on terrorism matters in Northern Ireland. But, as we have heard, it is still important to ensure that terrorism is fought wherever it appears—and, sadly, Northern Ireland...

My Lords, it is, of course, extremely disappointing that we are still here today debating the necessity for the Bill as it touches on terrorism matters in Northern Ireland. But, as we have heard, it is still important to ensure that terrorism is fought wherever it appears—and, sadly, Northern Ireland...