Skip to main content
Logo icon
Northern Ireland
Conservatives

Main navigation

  • About us
  • News
  • Get involved
  • Contact
Logo icon
Northern Ireland
Conservatives

Secretary of State's speech on the new agreement: A Fresh Start - The Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan

  • Tweet
Wednesday, 18 November, 2015
  • Local News
pic

This is a good day for Northern Ireland and a fresh start for its devolved institutions.

Ten weeks ago when we brought the parties back to the table we set ourselves two main objectives.

The first was the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement.

The second was to deal with continued paramilitary activity.

I believe that the agreement published today goes a long way towards fulfilling both objectives and tackling the issues that have threatened the survival of devolution over the past two years.

First, on the Stormont House Agreement.

The agreement will help give the Executive a stable and sustainable budget assisted by further financial support of around £500 million from the UK Government.

This will assist the Executive in tackling issues unique to Northern Ireland and paves the way for completion of the devolution of corporation tax powers.

Measures in the Stormont House Agreement designed to address the issues of flags and parades will go ahead.

And there’s agreement on reforms to the Executive and Assembly to make devolution work better.

Second, on paramilitary activity.

The document takes Northern Ireland’s leaders further than ever before on this issue.

It strongly reaffirms the commitment to upholding the rule of law and makes it absolutely clear that in no circumstances will paramilitary activity be tolerated.

It places new shared obligations on Executive Ministers to work together towards ridding society of all paramilitary activity and groups.

And it commits to a concerted and enhanced effort to combat organised and cross border crime.

While there is no final agreement on the new bodies to deal with the past, much progress was made and we will reflect with other participants on the way forward.

Show only

  • Articles
  • Local News
  • National News
  • Opinions

Donate

We rely on the support of individuals like you.

accepted-payment-cards

Join or Renew

Help us take action on local issues and build a better Britain.

accepted-payment-cards

NI Conservatives

Footer

  • About RSS
  • Accessibility
  • Cookies
  • Privacy
  • About us
  • Get Involved
ConservativesPromoted by Alan Mabbutt on behalf of Northern Ireland Conservatives, both at The Market House, 77 Main Street Bangor BT20 5AP
Copyright 2025 NI Conservatives . All rights reserved.
Powered by Bluetree