Lords considers Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Organ and Tissue Donation) Bill

The Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Organ and Tissue Donation) Bill will extend the deadline to form an Executive in Northern Ireland until 18 January 2024 and empower the UK government to set a date for an Assembly election before the end of that period.

This bill was formerly known as the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill.

Debate on the draft law

During second reading, members discussed the main issues in the bill and drew attention to any specific areas for concern.

Members speaking

Lord Caine (Conservative), Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office, opened the debate and respond on behalf of the government. 

Members speaking in the debate included: 

• Lord Hain (Labour), former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
• Barones Hoey (Non-affiliated), former member of the House of Commons Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
• Lord Lexden (Conservative), chairman, Friends of the Union
• Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Labour), director of Co-operation Ireland
• Baroness Suttie (Liberal Democrat), former member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly
• Lord Weir of Ballyholme (DUP), former member of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The bill's remaining stages in the Lords - committee stage, report stage and third reading - took place on the same day following second reading.

Get involved

Watch and read the debate

Find out more about the issues discussed: catch up on Parliament TV or read the Lords Hansard transcript.

Explore further information

Read background on the bill in the House of Lords Library Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Organ and Tissue Donation) Bill briefing.

Next steps

As both Houses have now agreed on the text of the bill, it now awaits the final step of Royal Assent when it will become an Act of Parliament (law). 

Royal Assent is expected to take place on Tuesday 28 February.

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