International obligations

Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill – in the House of Commons at 4:45 pm on 9 July 2019.

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Votes in this debate

  • Division number 428
    A majority of MPs voted to legalise abortion in Northern Ireland in a broad range of circumstances, to protect women from harassment by anti-abortion protesters, and also to improve sexual and reproductive health rights and services.

‘(1) In accordance with the requirements of section 26 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 regarding international obligations, the Secretary of State must make regulations by statutory instrument to give effect to the recommendations of the Report of the Inquiry concerning the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland under article 8 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

(2) Regulations under this section must come into force by 21 October 2019, subject to subsections (3) and (4).

(3) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (1)—

(a) must be laid before both Houses of Parliament;

(b) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(4) If a Northern Ireland Executive is formed before 21 October 2019, any extant obligations arising under subsection (1) shall cease to have effect.”—(Stella Creasy.)

Brought up, and read the First time.

Question put, That the clause be read a Second time.

Division number 428 Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill — New Clause 10 — International Obligations — Abortion — Sexual and Reproductive Health

A majority of MPs voted to legalise abortion in Northern Ireland in a broad range of circumstances, to protect women from harassment by anti-abortion protesters, and also to improve sexual and reproductive health rights and services.

Aye: 331 MPs

No: 99 MPs

Aye: A-Z by last name

Tellers

No: A-Z by last name

Tellers

Absent: 214 MPs

Abstained: 1 MP

Absent: A-Z by last name

Abstained: A-Z by last name

The Committee divided: Ayes 332, Noes 99.

Question accordingly agreed to.

New clause 10 read a Second time, and added to the Bill.

Photo of Nicholas Boles Nicholas Boles Independent, Grantham and Stamford

On a point of order, Dame Rosie. I know we have very important subjects that Members are keen to debate, so I do not want to detain you, but could you advise me how we can indicate our reaction to the grossly offensive attack by the President of the United States on Her Majesty’s ambassador, and indeed on Her Majesty’s Prime Minister? This afternoon, he has sent some messages that amount to gross discourtesy, and I am certain that many hon. Members will want to indicate that the United Kingdom will not be bullied by anyone, not even the President of the United States.

Photo of Rosie Winterton Rosie Winterton Deputy Speaker (Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means)

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his point of order. As I am sure he will appreciate, this is not really a matter for the Chair. Obviously, he has put his views on the record and he will be well aware that mechanisms are available to him whereby he might be able to pursue this matter further. I am sure the Table Office would advise him on that, not that he necessarily needs that advice.

Photo of Mike Gapes Mike Gapes Independent, Ilford South

Further to that point of order, Dame Rosie. Have either you or Mr Speaker had any indication that the Government intend to make a statement about President Trump’s remarks and, in particular, whether they would take reciprocal action as to any reduction in our diplomatic activity in the United States by responding in kind towards the US ambassador in this country?

Photo of Rosie Winterton Rosie Winterton Deputy Speaker (Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means)

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that point of order. The short answer is: no, I have not received any such indication. However, as I said, there are ways in which these issues can be raised in the House.