Lords to hear from First Minister of Northern Ireland
11 February 2015
The House of Lords Constitution Committee will this week hold two evidence sessions as part of its inquiry into inter-governmental relations in the UK, hearing from both the First Minister of Northern Ireland and the Secretary of State For Scotland. The Committee will also take the opportunity to question Alistair Carmichael MP and Lord Wallace of Tankerness on the draft clauses for a new Scotland Bill.
- Parliament TV: Inter-Governmental Relations inquiry
- Inquiry: Inter-Governmental Relations in the UK
- Select Committee on the Constitution
Witnesses
On Wednesday 11 February the Committee will hear from:
At 10.30am, Committee Room 1, Palace of Westminster:
- Alistair Carmichael MP, Secretary of State for Scotland.
- Lord Wallace of Tankerness, Advocate General for Scotland.
At 5.00pm, Committee Room 3, Palace of Westminster:
- Peter Robinson MLA, First Minister of Northern Ireland.
Possible Questions
In the first session the Committee will ask the witnesses:
- Whether it is realistic for there to be an expectation of equality between the UK government and the devolved administrations in intergovernmental relations.
- How effective the Joint Ministerial Committee is, and how it might be improved.
The Committee will also explore the draft clauses for a new Scotland Bill, asking about:
- The impact of the proposals on the Union as a whole.
- How the devolution of fiscal tax and welfare powers will impact on the relationship between the UK and Scottish Governments.
In the session with Peter Robinson, the Committee will explore the impact of Northern Ireland’s unique position on its experience of inter-governmental relations. Questions will cover:
- The Northern Ireland Executive’s experience of dealing with Whitehall.
- Whether any changes are needed to the role of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the arrangement of the territorial departments within the UK Government.