Written questions by Hanna.

With reference to page four of the document entitled The Legacy of the Troubles: A Joint Framework between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland, published on 19 September 2025, what plans his Department has to consult with the public before delivering any statements of acknowledgement.

The Joint Framework acknowledges the important role that statements of acknowledgement can play in addressing past harms and facilitating societal reconciliation, and states that the UK and Irish governments will take the lead in considering such statements. The Framework also highlights the importance of statements of acknowledgement being forthcoming from others.The Government will engage widely with victims, survivors and others affected by the Troubles as we take forward this and our other commitments under the Framework.

What guidance he has provided to businesses in Great Britain on the Windsor Framework and Northern Ireland's access to the UK internal market.

Extensive guidance is available on GOV.UK for businesses moving goods under the Windsor Framework, alongside support from the Trader Support Service. At Autumn Budget 2025, the Government announced £16.6 million to strengthen the UK internal market and help boost trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This will include a comprehensive ‘one stop shop’ regulatory support service that will provide additional guidance beyond what is currently available on GOV.UK, supporting businesses in Great Britain to trade with Northern Ireland and take advantage of the facilitations made available under the Windsor Framework.

What steps he has taken with Cabinet colleagues in response to reports of suppliers in Great Britain ceasing trade with businesses based in Northern Ireland.

The Government continues to take practical action to protect and facilitate trade across the UK internal market. At Budget 2025, the Government announced £16.6 million to strengthen the UK internal market, including funding for an enhanced ‘one stop shop’ regulatory support service and a dedicated budget for Intertrade UK, the non-statutory advisory body established under Safeguarding the Union to help boost trade across the UK. On a wide range of regulatory areas, the Government has been taking action to account for the views of industry and smooth flows of trade within the UK market, including in pharmaceuticals, toy safety, and the labelling of chemicals.

How many prosecutions have been against members of the British armed forces for troubles related crimes.

The Government does not hold all of the specific information that has been requested. We understand that, between 1 January 2012 and December 2024, 68 cases for potential prosecution were considered in Northern Ireland in relation to Troubles-related cases, of which there were 25 decisions to prosecute. 6 of these decisions relate to cases that fall within the military category. While ongoing prosecutions are a matter for the relevant independent prosecution service, it is the Government’s understanding that there are now nine ongoing Troubles-related prosecutions in Northern Ireland. Of those nine prosecutions, one falls in the military category. We understand that figures relating to 1998-2012 are not available. Any further queries should be directed to the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland or the Crown Prosecution Service as relevant.

What information his Department holds on the number of prosecutions that have been made against security forces for troubles related crimes; and how many of these prosecutions relate to (a) murder, (b) manslaughter and (c) other crimes.

The Government does not hold all of the specific information that has been requested. We understand that, between 1 January 2012 and December 2024, 68 cases for potential prosecution were considered in Northern Ireland in relation to Troubles-related cases, of which there were 25 decisions to prosecute. 6 of these decisions relate to cases that fall within the military category. None related to cases that fall within the police category. Within that period, there has been one successful prosecution of a soldier in 2022, which was for manslaughter. That individual was given a suspended sentence. While ongoing prosecutions are a matter for the relevant independent prosecution service, it is the Government’s understanding that there are now nine ongoing Troubles-related prosecutions in Northern Ireland. Of those nine prosecutions, one falls in the former police category, and one in the military category. We understand that figures relating to 1998-2012 are not available. Any further queries should be directed to the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland or the Crown Prosecution Service as relevant.

How many prosecutions have been brought for murder and manslaughter in relation troubles related crimes; and how many were related to people with a paramilitary and security force background.

The Government does not hold the specific information that has been requested.Any further queries should be directed to the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland or the Crown Prosecution Service as relevant.

How many prosecutions have been taken against loyalist paramilitaries for troubles-related crimes.

The Government does not hold all of the specific information that has been requested. We understand that, between 1 January 2012 and December 2024, 68 cases for potential prosecution were considered in Northern Ireland in relation to Troubles-related cases, of which, there were 25 decisions to prosecute. 13 of these decisions relate to cases that fall within the republican category, 6 within the loyalist category, and 6 within the military category. Where decisions have been taken to prosecute in Northern Ireland, there have been 6 convictions; 3 in the republican category, two in the loyalist category, and 1 in the military category, with that individual being given a suspended sentence. We understand that figures relating to 1998-2012 are not available. Information about Troubles-related prosecutions in England and Wales is a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service.

How many prosecutions have been taken against republican paramilitaries for troubles-related crimes.

The Government does not hold all of the specific information that has been requested. We understand that, between 1 January 2012 and December 2024, 68 cases for potential prosecution were considered in Northern Ireland in relation to Troubles-related cases, of which, there were 25 decisions to prosecute. 13 of these decisions relate to cases that fall within the republican category, 6 within the loyalist category, and 6 within the military category. Where decisions have been taken to prosecute in Northern Ireland, there have been 6 convictions; 3 in the republican category, two in the loyalist category, and 1 in the military category, with that individual being given a suspended sentence. We understand that figures relating to 1998-2012 are not available. Information about Troubles-related prosecutions in England and Wales is a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service.

What discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on food security and local growing incentives.

Food Security is a devolved matter. Ministers from all four nations discuss food system issues through the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. In addition, officials have regular engagement on a wide range of food security and resilience issues.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of a) the findings and b) recommendations of the Windsor Framework Article 2: Enforcement and Remedies paper produced by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, on 16 December 2025.

I commend the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for their continued, important work in upholding human rights protections in Northern Ireland. This includes in their role as part of the Dedicated Mechanism, along with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, in monitoring the implementation of Article 2 of the Windsor Framework, for which they receive dedicated funding. The Government welcomes this report and is considering its findings. The interpretation and application of Article 2 of the Windsor Framework is currently being considered by the Supreme Court in Dillon and others. The Government awaits the court’s judgment.

What recent discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on Northern Ireland's place in the EU Custom’s Union in relation to charges incurred when sending parcels from NI, to Europe, via GB postal services.

Northern Ireland is an integral part of the United Kingdom’s internal market and customs territory. Ministers and officials speak regularly with stakeholders regarding the implementation of the Windsor Framework, including arrangements for parcels. Dual market access ensures that goods can move between Northern Ireland and the EU without the need for customs declarations or duty, including goods moving through Great Britain.

What actions his Department have taken to enhance public education on the extent of protections EU Law continues to provide in Northern Ireland, under the Windsor framework.

The Government is firmly committed to Article 2 of the Windsor Framework, which ensures no diminution of rights, safeguards and equality of opportunity protections set out in the relevant chapter of the Good Friday Agreement.The Dedicated Mechanism monitors, advises and reports on this commitment, receiving funding from the UK Government for this purpose. It also has a duty to promote understanding and awareness of the importance of Article 2 of the Windsor Framework. The UK Government acknowledges the vital role of the Dedicated Mechanism in upholding equalities and human rights protections in Northern Ireland and continues to work with it to ensure these protections are enforced.

Pursuant to the Answer of 22 September 2025 to Question 76346 on Local Growth Deals: Northern Ireland, whether his Department plans to hold discussions with the (a) voluntary and (b) community sector in Northern Ireland on the design of the local growth fund in Northern Ireland.

As announced at the Spending Review, from 2026-27 the UK Government will provide targeted, long-term local growth funding to support growth across Northern Ireland, once the UK Shared Prosperity Fund ends in March 2026. The Northern Ireland Office is working in close partnership with the Northern Ireland Executive and Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government to implement and develop the new Local Growth Fund. The Government is committed to engagement with key stakeholders in Northern Ireland to help implement a package of funding that meets local needs and delivers impact. More information on the development of the Local Growth Fund in Northern Ireland and engagement plans will be set out soon.

What recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the redevelopment of Casement Park.

I am continuing to engage with all partners involved in the Executive-led Casement Park redevelopment, including the Northern Ireland Executive and the GAA, to assess the options available regarding the project.

What discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Health Minister on establishing a public inquiry into issues around cervical screening in the Southern Health Trust.

I recognise the serious concerns regarding cervical screening services in Northern Ireland. However, this is a devolved matter and responsibility rests with the Northern Ireland Department of Health. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I liaise regularly with the NI Minister of Health and have raised cervical screening issues following a meeting with victims and relatives of cervical screening errors. We will take the next opportunity to ask what steps are being taken to ensure that women in Northern Ireland are receiving the care they need.

What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on promoting tourism in Northern Ireland.

We all recognise the importance of tourism to Northern Ireland, and I am working with Cabinet colleagues and the Executive to support a thriving and competitive economy, including drawing on the many wonderful things there are to see and do in Northern Ireland.

If he will ensure that Northern Ireland is included in legislative proposals to lower the voting age for UK elections.

This Government will legislate to lower the voting age to 16 during this Parliament for all non-devolved elections across the UK, including elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly and Northern Ireland local government elections.

If he will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to include a legislative consent motion with legislative proposals to lower the voting age to allow 16 and 17 year olds in Northern Ireland to vote in (a) Assembly and (b) local government elections.

The Government has given a clear commitment to lower the voting age to 16 at all non-devolved elections, which includes Assembly and local elections in Northern Ireland. As elections are an excepted matter under Schedule 2 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, it will not be necessary to seek a legislative consent motion in relation to that commitment. The Government will of course work closely with stakeholders across Northern Ireland on the implementation of this major change to the franchise and ensure we empower our young people to participate in democracy.

What discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Health Minister on ensuring pay parity for health workers in Northern Ireland with Great Britain.

Public sector pay is a devolved matter. It is for the Northern Ireland Executive to take decisions on pay awards.

If he will make it his policy that any future Northern Ireland troubles legacy proposals will have capacity to deal with murders that took place after 10th April 1998.

Investigating suspected criminal activity that took place following the Good Friday Agreement is the responsibility of the relevant police force.The Government is committed to repeal and replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy & Reconciliation) Act 2023. As part of this process, I have said that the Government will bring forward a remedial order under the Human Rights Act to ensure that the Independent Commission for Reconciliation & Information Recovery established by the Act is fully human rights compliant.As part of this process, I am undertaking a period of consultation, including with the Northern Ireland parties, to discuss a pragmatic way forward that can both comply with human rights and command public confidence. I look forward to discussing any specific proposals that might help achieve this.