the government has just released details of the deal which paves the way for power sharing to return in northern ireland. for some common conditions, choose your pharmacy instead of a gp. chemists get new prescribing powers in england. the ban on xl bullies — the deadline has just passed for owners to register their dog, if they want to keep it, in england and wales. and the energy bill for nearly £250,000. a businessman tells us the mistake caused pandemonium. and stay with us on bbc news. for continuing coverage and analysis from our team of correspondence in the uk and around the world.

hello and welcome to the bbc news at 0ne. the former first minister of scotland, nicola sturgeon, has admitted to the covid inquiry that she did delete whatsapp messages sent during the pandemic. giving evidence to the inquiry ms sturgeon added that she had managed to retrieve some copies to submit to the hearings, and that she hadn't used informal communications like whatsapp to have substantial discussions. nicola sturgeon was first minister throughout the pandemic, and made crucial decisions for scotland throughout. 0ur scotland correspondent lorna gordon has been listening to this morning's session. nicola sturgeon, scotland's main decision key communicator for scotland's pandemic response. what scotland's pandemic response. what ha--ened scotland's pandemic response. what happened to — scotland's pandemic response. what happened to your— scotland's pandemic response. twat happened to your whatsapp? scotland's pandemic response. whatl happened to your whatsapp? arriving to answer questions _ happened to your whatsapp? arriving to answer questions that _ happened to your whatsapp? arriving to answer questions that have - happened to your whatsapp? arriving to answer questions that have been . to answer questions that have been stacking up since the hearings in edinburgh began. forsome

stacking up since the hearings in edinburgh began. for some who lost loved ones, this a chance for the former first minister, who they described as scotland's master of spin, to be held to account. nicola sturueon spin, to be held to account. nicola sturgeon stands _ spin, to be held to account. nicola sturgeon stands accused - spin, to be held to account. nicola sturgeon stands accused of - spin, to be held to account. nicola sturgeon stands accused of a - sturgeon stands accused of a betrayal of the many promises that she made, including that nothing would be off—limits in the public inquiries. her industrial deletion of whatsapps, along with those in herinner of whatsapps, along with those in her inner circle, begs the question why, when she knew a public inquiry was on its way. why from january 2022 the ist was on its way. why from january 2022 the 1st of september 2020 are there zero whatsapps and rather conveniently none from her inner circle? , , , ., , circle? the very first question she faced, circle? the very first question she faced. how _ circle? the very first question she faced, how decisions _ circle? the very first question she faced, how decisions on _ circle? the very first question she faced, how decisions on covid - circle? the very first question she l faced, how decisions on covid were made, recorded, discussed. is it made, recorded, discussed. is it still our made, recorded, discussed. is it still your position _ made, recorded, discussed. is it still your position today that you and the — still your position today that you and the scottish government were open, _ and the scottish government were open, transparent and accountable in your actions. — open, transparent and accountable in youractions, notjust in open, transparent and accountable in your actions, notjust in your words. — your actions, notjust in your words. at _ your actions, notjust in your words, at all times during the pandemic— words, at all times during the pandemic response in scotland? yes, that is still my _

pandemic response in scotland? yes that is still my position. i did not do government business through informal messaging. in relation to covid or any other matter.- covid or any other matter. nicola stura eon covid or any other matter. nicola sturgeon give — covid or any other matter. nicola sturgeon give public _ covid or any other matter. nicola sturgeon give public assurances l covid or any other matter. nicola l sturgeon give public assurances in the midst of the pandemic that all of her communications would be kept. can you guarantee to the bereaved families_ can you guarantee to the bereaved families that you will disclose e-maiis. _ families that you will disclose e—mails, whatsapps, private e—mails if you _ e—mails, whatsapps, private e—mails if you have _ e—mails, whatsapps, private e—mails if you have been using them, whatever, _ if you have been using them, whatever, that nothing will be off—limits in this inquiry? | whatever, that nothing will be off-limits in this inquiry? i think if ou off-limits in this inquiry? i think if you understand _ off-limits in this inquiry? i think if you understand statutory - if you understand statutory inquiries you would know that even if i was not prepared to give that assurance, which for the avoidance of doubt i am, i would not have the ability, this will be a judge led statutory public inquiry. the inuui statutory public inquiry. the inquiry has _ statutory public inquiry. the inquiry has seen _ statutory public inquiry. the inquiry has seen some of mrjim's whatsapp, informal messages, submitted by others, but what of those on her phone? did submitted by others, but what of those on her phone?— submitted by others, but what of those on her phone? did you delete them? yes- — those on her phone? did you delete them? yes. aspires _ those on her phone? did you delete them? yes. aspires the _ those on her phone? did you delete them? yes. aspires the other - them? yes. aspires the other

messages _ them? yes. aspires the other messages that _ them? yes. aspires the other messages that you _ them? jazz aspires the other messages that you can produce between — messages that you can produce between you and all these others, you deleted those as well? any manner and _ you deleted those as well? any manner and after _ you deleted those as well? sin; manner and after the process i you deleted those as well? jifiy manner and after the process i have set out, yes. the manner and after the process i have set out. yes-— set out, yes. the inquiry was shown evidence that _ set out, yes. the inquiry was shown evidence that decisions _ set out, yes. the inquiry was shown evidence that decisions over - evidence that decisions over restrictions were discussed at length over whatsapp, but mrjenn insisted it was a cabinet where decisions were made. decisions she said earlier were beyond anything ever experienced before. i was the first minister _ ever experienced before. i was the first minister when _ ever experienced before. i was the first minister when the _ ever experienced before. i was the first minister when the pandemic. first minister when the pandemic struck. there is a large part to me that wishes i had not been. but i was and i wanted to be the best first minister i could be during that period. it is for others to judge the extent to which i succeeded.— judge the extent to which i succeeded. , ., ., . , ., succeeded. her performance is not the sole focus _ succeeded. her performance is not the sole focus of— succeeded. her performance is not the sole focus of this _ succeeded. her performance is not the sole focus of this inquiry, - succeeded. her performance is not the sole focus of this inquiry, even j the sole focus of this inquiry, even if it is being scrutinised here today. lorna gordon, bbc news, edinburgh. there is a lot of interest in what nicola sturgeon as to say today. in

the last few minutes, the inquiry has heard to speak of how she saw covid as a threat, a risk, a catastrophe, that time she felt overwhelmed by the scale of what she was dealing with, and that perhaps more than anything she felt an overwhelming responsibility to do the best she could. she also said that she found the idea... the idea that she found the idea... the idea that she found this a political opportunity was it not true. well, nicola sturgeon's questioning will continue this afternoon. thank you. lorna gordon there in edinburgh. the government has just published more details about its agreement with the democratic unionist party, which has persuaded them to return to power sharing in northern ireland. yesterday, the dup accepted a deal which it says will remove physical checks on goods moving between great britain and northern ireland. there's been no fuctioning government there for nearly two years. in a moment we'll speak to our ireland correspondent chris page at stormont, but first to our political correspondent

damian grammaticus at westminster what more have we learned, what is in this deal?— in this deal? this dropped in the last half hour _ in this deal? this dropped in the last half hour or— in this deal? this dropped in the last half hour or so. _ in this deal? this dropped in the last half hour or so. 80 - in this deal? this dropped in the last half hour or so. 80 odd - in this deal? this dropped in the i last half hour or so. 80 odd pages of information. it is not the actual legally detailed text, but has the explanation of it. it set out a wide range of measures. essentially around that central issue of checks on goods moving between the rest of great britain and northern ireland, laying out the government says a scheme under which those will basically be removed for the majority of goods which would end up in northern ireland. now, they still, it seems, reading through the detail, will be some requirements which would be for documentation or notification of what is being moved so that customs and border authorities can look at this and decide whether to check things if they think there is a risk. already

those checks are reducing... there is a scheme to reduce them in place down to a small percentage. this is trying to do away with the rest of that. then there is a bunch of confidence creating measures, if you like, around talking about northern ireland's place in the uk, cementing its place, guaranteeing its place in the union, guaranteeing when future measures happen that there will be checks to make sure those are not increased divergence. all of this, though, the detail will be poured through when it all comes later. absolutely. thank you for now. let's talk as well to chris page at stormont. i know the dup has been talking to the media in the last hour. what are you hearing there, what has been said? 80 pages of this document will be closely analysed in northern ireland. including by those within unionism, who have reservations about the dup's plan to go back into

power sharing at stormont. sir jeffrey donaldson is currently on air with my colleagues on bbc radio ulster taking part in a phone in programme, answering questions about the deal. he understands he does have something of a job of selling to do. he knows he has had some opposition to this within his own party and also from more hardline unionist groups. sir geoffrey has said that as far as he is concerned, this deal means that the irish sea border is gone and also that this deal is the best one he possibly could have got. so there is no sign that there is any derailment, as it were, coming down the line for sir geoffrey's plan to resurrect the power sharing institutions here in belfast. today the woman who is in line to be first minister, michele 0'neil of sinn fein, has said there's a fair degree understanding that the stormont assembly will be recalled on saturday for ministers to be appointed. if and when that does happen, she will be the first irish nationalist to take up that

position. in and of itself, that will be a major moment. will be a ma'or moment. chris, thank ou. chris will be a major moment. chris, thank you- chris page _ will be a major moment. chris, thank you. chris page and _ will be a major moment. chris, thank you. chris page and damian - you. chris page and damian grammaticas. people in england with a number of common health issues can now get treatment from a chemist, instead of having to go to a gp. pharmacists will be able to prescribe medicines for conditions like shingles, sinusitis and infected insect bites. the scheme matches what already happens in other parts of the uk, and it's estimated will save 10 million gp appointments a year. 0ur health editor hugh pym has more. good morning. we do vaccination on thursday, friday, and saturday. they are at the heart of our communities. how do you spell that? from today, high street premises in england will be able to ease —— from today, high street pharmacies in england will be able to ease even more of the burden on overstretched gp surgeries. how can i help?

so, i woke up on saturday night... patients with seven new conditions can come straight to the pharmacy without booking an appointment. middle ear infections is one of them. it is still blocked. there is loss of hearing. obviously it is making me feel a bit dizzy. 0k. spoke to the gp, and they referred me here. adi's pharmacy in south bristol has been trialling this new scheme for a year, with great success. in the past, we would at different points feel very frustrated for our patients that we can't do more. and most community pharmacies live with that. i think any opportunity to do more for them actually means not only are they better, but the whole nhs system becomes more stable. allie's two—year—old son duncan has spots on his chin, and she is worried. so, i suspect that this guy has got impetigo. so she stopped by on the school run. so, usually for impetigo, they spread quite quickly as well. yeah. pharmacistjeannie agrees. with impetigo now on the list of conditions, duncan is prescribed medication quickly, and allie has been saved a possibly

long wait for a gp appointment. it's like less than an hour from when we, yeah, came in our way on the school run. so, yeah, really useful. having a service like this will really, you know, benefit a lot of people. in the meantime, ade continues with established services — giving covid and flu vaccines. which arm would you like? either. i know this has been out of stock forever, we have some breaking news now, we will go _ we have some breaking news now, we will go to— we have some breaking news now, we will go to the house of commons. it will go to the house of commons. [it has will go to the house of commons. has been a will go to the house of commons. it has been a pleasure to confirm recently — has been a pleasure to confirm recently that _ has been a pleasure to confirm recently that the _ has been a pleasure to confirm recently that the government i has been a pleasure to confirm . recently that the government will support— recently that the government will support his — recently that the government will support his bill_ recently that the government will support his bill that— recently that the government will support his bill that seeks- recently that the government will support his bill that seeks to - support his bill that seeks to create — support his bill that seeks to create a _ support his bill that seeks to create a dedicated _ support his bill that seeks to create a dedicated route - support his bill that seeks to create a dedicated route to i support his bill that seeks to - create a dedicated route to allow irish nationals _ create a dedicated route to allow irish nationals who _ create a dedicated route to allow irish nationals who wish - create a dedicated route to allow irish nationals who wish to - create a dedicated route to allow irish nationals who wish to apply| irish nationals who wish to apply for british— irish nationals who wish to apply for british citizenship. _ irish nationals who wish to apply for british citizenship. if- irish nationals who wish to applyj for british citizenship. if passed, this legislation _ for british citizenship. if passed, this legislation would _ for british citizenship. if passed, this legislation would support. for british citizenship. if passed, i this legislation would support the closest _ this legislation would support the closest geographical— this legislation would support the closest geographical ties - this legislation would support the| closest geographical ties between the united — closest geographical ties between the united kingdom _ closest geographical ties between the united kingdom and - closest geographical ties between the united kingdom and ireland . closest geographical ties between . the united kingdom and ireland and i champion— the united kingdom and ireland and i champion into — the united kingdom and ireland and i champion into supporting _ the united kingdom and ireland and i champion into supporting this. - the united kingdom and ireland and i

champion into supporting this. i'm i champion into supporting this. i'm also pleased — champion into supporting this. i'm also pleased to _ champion into supporting this. i'm also pleased to be _ champion into supporting this. i'm also pleased to be able _ champion into supporting this. i'm also pleased to be able to - champion into supporting this. i'm also pleased to be able to outline i also pleased to be able to outline today— also pleased to be able to outline today the — also pleased to be able to outline today the package _ also pleased to be able to outline today the package of _ also pleased to be able to outline today the package of measures . also pleased to be able to outline l today the package of measures we also pleased to be able to outline - today the package of measures we are announcing _ today the package of measures we are announcing it— today the package of measures we are announcing it has— today the package of measures we are announcing it has four— today the package of measures we are announcing it has four key _ today the package of measures we are announcing it has four key elements. i announcing it has four key elements. it announcing it has four key elements. it further— announcing it has four key elements. it further protects _ announcing it has four key elements. it further protects northern - it further protects northern iretards— it further protects northern ireland's place _ it further protects northern ireland's place in— it further protects northern ireland's place in the - it further protects northernl ireland's place in the united kingdom _ ireland's place in the united kingdom by— ireland's place in the united kingdom by demonstrating. ireland's place in the united i kingdom by demonstrating our commitment _ kingdom by demonstrating our commitment to— kingdom by demonstrating our commitment to restoring - kingdom by demonstrating our. commitment to restoring power sharing — commitment to restoring power sharing so— commitment to restoring power sharing so it _ commitment to restoring power sharing so it has _ commitment to restoring power sharing so it has the _ commitment to restoring power sharing so it has the broader. sharing so it has the broader support— sharing so it has the broader support from _ sharing so it has the broader support from across - sharing so it has the broader support from across the - sharing so it has the broader- support from across the committee in northern— support from across the committee in northern ireland. _ support from across the committee in northern ireland. i— support from across the committee in northern ireland. i know— support from across the committee in northern ireland. i know i'm - support from across the committee in northern ireland. i know i'm not- northern ireland. i know i'm not alone _ northern ireland. i know i'm not alone in— northern ireland. i know i'm not alone in believing _ northern ireland. i know i'm not alone in believing firmly- northern ireland. i know i'm not alone in believing firmly the - alone in believing firmly the long-term _ alone in believing firmly the long—term interests- alone in believing firmly the long—term interests of- alone in believing firmly the long—term interests of the i alone in believing firmly the - long—term interests of the union are served _ long—term interests of the union are served by— long—term interests of the union are served by persuading _ long—term interests of the union are served by persuading those - long—term interests of the union are served by persuading those who - long—term interests of the union are i served by persuading those who might not vote _ served by persuading those who might not vote for— served by persuading those who might not vote for unionist _ served by persuading those who might not vote for unionist parties _ served by persuading those who might not vote for unionist parties or - not vote for unionist parties or even _ not vote for unionist parties or even think— not vote for unionist parties or even think themselves - not vote for unionist parties or even think themselves as - not vote for unionist parties or - even think themselves as unionist. but northern— even think themselves as unionist. but northern ireland _ even think themselves as unionist. but northern ireland within- even think themselves as unionist. but northern ireland within the - but northern ireland within the united — but northern ireland within the united kingdom _ but northern ireland within the united kingdom offers - but northern ireland within the united kingdom offers the - but northern ireland within thej united kingdom offers the best solution — united kingdom offers the best solution for _ united kingdom offers the best solution for them _ united kingdom offers the best solution for them and - united kingdom offers the best solution for them and their- solution for them and their children _ solution for them and their children i_ solution for them and their children. i have _ solution for them and their children. i have always - solution for them and their- children. i have always believed that making _ children. i have always believed that making northern— children. i have always believed that making northern ireland i children. i have always believed that making northern ireland to work, _ that making northern ireland to work. indeed, _ that making northern ireland to work, indeed, making- that making northern ireland to work, indeed, making northernj work, indeed, making northern ireland— work, indeed, making northern ireland thrive _ work, indeed, making northern ireland thrive is _ work, indeed, making northern ireland thrive is the _ work, indeed, making northern ireland thrive is the surest - work, indeed, making northern ireland thrive is the surest wayl work, indeed, making northern. ireland thrive is the surest way to safeguard — ireland thrive is the surest way to safeguard the _ ireland thrive is the surest way to safeguard the union _ ireland thrive is the surest way to safeguard the union and - ireland thrive is the surest way to safeguard the union and i- ireland thrive is the surest way to . safeguard the union and i commend all unionists — safeguard the union and i commend all unionists for— safeguard the union and i commend all unionists for taking _ safeguard the union and i commend all unionists for taking bold - safeguard the union and i commend all unionists for taking bold steps i all unionists for taking bold steps to make — all unionists for taking bold steps to make that— all unionists for taking bold steps to make that case _ all unionists for taking bold steps to make that case for— all unionists for taking bold steps to make that case for the - all unionists for taking bold steps to make that case for the union l all unionists for taking bold steps i to make that case for the union to. well— to make that case for the union to. we'll also— to make that case for the union to. we'll also legislate _ to make that case for the union to. we'll also legislate to _ to make that case for the union to. we'll also legislate to reaffirm - we'll also legislate to reaffirm northern — we'll also legislate to reaffirm northern ireland's _ we'll also legislate to reaffirm . northern ireland's constitutional status, — northern ireland's constitutional status, including _ northern ireland's constitutional status, including as _ northern ireland's constitutional status, including as reflected . northern ireland's constitutional status, including as reflected inl status, including as reflected in the acts —

status, including as reflected in the acts of— status, including as reflected in the acts of union. _ status, including as reflected in the acts of union. so— status, including as reflected in the acts of union. so too - status, including as reflected in the acts of union. so too will. status, including as reflected ml the acts of union. so too will be recognised — the acts of union. so too will be recognised in _ the acts of union. so too will be recognised in domestic- the acts of union. so too will be recognised in domestic law - the acts of union. so too will be i recognised in domestic law through that vital— recognised in domestic law through that vital democratic— recognised in domestic law through that vital democratic safeguard - recognised in domestic law through that vital democratic safeguard of. that vital democratic safeguard of the storm — that vital democratic safeguard of the storm want _ that vital democratic safeguard of the storm want to _ that vital democratic safeguard of the storm want to break, - that vital democratic safeguard of the storm want to break, that - that vital democratic safeguard of the storm want to break, that a l that vital democratic safeguard of. the storm want to break, that a new assembly— the storm want to break, that a new assembly which— the storm want to break, that a new assembly which wields _ the storm want to break, that a new assembly which wields the - the storm want to break, that a new assembly which wields the idea - the storm want to break, that a new assembly which wields the idea of. the storm want to break, that a new assembly which wields the idea of a | assembly which wields the idea of a permanent— assembly which wields the idea of a permanent alignment _ assembly which wields the idea of a permanent alignment of _ assembly which wields the idea of a permanent alignment of eu - assembly which wields the idea of a permanent alignment of eu law - assembly which wields the idea of a permanent alignment of eu law no. permanent alignment of eu law no longer— permanent alignment of eu law no longer applies _ permanent alignment of eu law no longer applies -- _ permanent alignment of eu law no longer applies. —— the _ permanent alignment of eu law no longer applies. —— the stormont i longer applies. —— the stormont break _ longer applies. —— the stormont break we — longer applies. —— the stormont break. we will— longer applies. —— the stormont break. we will also _ longer applies. —— the stormont break. we will also queue - longer applies. —— the stormont break. we will also queue proof| break. we will also queue proof northern— break. we will also queue proof northern ireland's _ break. we will also queue proof northern ireland's position- break. we will also queue proofi northern ireland's position within the internal— northern ireland's position within the internal market _ northern ireland's position within the internal market against - northern ireland's position within the internal market against any. the internal market against any future — the internal market against any future protocol— the internal market against any future protocol that _ the internal market against any future protocol that would - the internal market against any. future protocol that would create new alignment _ future protocol that would create new alignment for _ future protocol that would create new alignment for northern - future protocol that would create . new alignment for northern ireland and with— new alignment for northern ireland and with it. — new alignment for northern ireland and with it, barriers _ new alignment for northern ireland and with it, barriers between - and with it, barriers between northern— and with it, barriers between northern ireland _ and with it, barriers between northern ireland and - and with it, barriers between northern ireland and the - and with it, barriers betweenj northern ireland and the rest and with it, barriers between i northern ireland and the rest of and with it, barriers between - northern ireland and the rest of the united _ northern ireland and the rest of the united kingdom _ northern ireland and the rest of the united kingdom. second, _ northern ireland and the rest of the united kingdom. second, this- northern ireland and the rest of the united kingdom. second, this deal. united kingdom. second, this deal promotes— united kingdom. second, this deal promotes and _ united kingdom. second, this deal promotes and strengthens - united kingdom. second, this deal promotes and strengthens the - united kingdom. second, this deal promotes and strengthens the uk. promotes and strengthens the uk internal— promotes and strengthens the uk internal markets, _ promotes and strengthens the uk internal markets, delivering - promotes and strengthens the uk internal markets, delivering new. internal markets, delivering new legislation— internal markets, delivering new legislation to _ internal markets, delivering new legislation to guarantee - internal markets, delivering new legislation to guarantee and - internal markets, delivering new. legislation to guarantee and future proof— legislation to guarantee and future proof unfettered _ legislation to guarantee and future proof unfettered access _ legislation to guarantee and future proof unfettered access to - legislation to guarantee and future. proof unfettered access to northern ireland _ proof unfettered access to northern ireland goods — proof unfettered access to northern ireland goods for— proof unfettered access to northern ireland goods for the _ proof unfettered access to northern ireland goods for the whole - proof unfettered access to northern ireland goods for the whole of - proof unfettered access to northern ireland goods for the whole of the l ireland goods for the whole of the uk internal— ireland goods for the whole of the uk internal market _ ireland goods for the whole of the uk internal market and _ ireland goods for the whole of the uk internal market and ensuring i ireland goods for the whole of the i uk internal market and ensuring that internal— uk internal market and ensuring that internal trade — uk internal market and ensuring that internal trade within— uk internal market and ensuring that internal trade within the _ uk internal market and ensuring that internal trade within the united - internal trade within the united kingdom — internal trade within the united kingdom takes _ internal trade within the united kingdom takes place _ internal trade within the united kingdom takes place under- internal trade within the united kingdom takes place under a l internal trade within the united . kingdom takes place under a new internal trade within the united - kingdom takes place under a new uk internal— kingdom takes place under a new uk internal market— kingdom takes place under a new uk internal market system. _ kingdom takes place under a new uk internal market system. only- internal market system. only yesterday. _ internal market system. only yesterday. we _ internal market system. only yesterday, we saw— internal market system. only yesterday, we saw how- internal market system. only. yesterday, we saw how quickly progress — yesterday, we saw how quickly progress has _ yesterday, we saw how quickly progress has been _ yesterday, we saw how quickly progress has been made, - yesterday, we saw how quickly progress has been made, with| yesterday, we saw how quickly- progress has been made, withjoint

le-al progress has been made, withjoint legal solution — progress has been made, withjoint legal solution reached _ progress has been made, withjoint legal solution reached with - progress has been made, withjoint legal solution reached with the - legal solution reached with the european — legal solution reached with the european union _ legal solution reached with the european union on _ legal solution reached with the european union on tariff- legal solution reached with the european union on tariff ratesl european union on tariff rates quotas — european union on tariff rates quotas the _ european union on tariff rates quotas. the solution, - european union on tariff rates quotas. the solution, to - european union on tariff rates quotas. the solution, to be i european union on tariff rates - quotas. the solution, to be taken forward _ quotas. the solution, to be taken forward at — quotas. the solution, to be taken forward at the _ quotas. the solution, to be taken forward at the next _ quotas. the solution, to be taken forward at the next uk—eu - quotas. the solution, to be taken forward at the next uk—eu joint l forward at the next uk—eu joint committee. _ forward at the next uk—eu joint committee, would _ forward at the next uk—eu joint committee, would ensure - forward at the next uk—eu joint - committee, would ensure northern ireland _ committee, would ensure northern ireland traders _ committee, would ensure northern ireland traders can _ committee, would ensure northern ireland traders can benefit - committee, would ensure northern ireland traders can benefit from - committee, would ensure northern| ireland traders can benefit from the uk's ireland traders can benefit from the uk's independent _ ireland traders can benefit from the uk's independent free _ ireland traders can benefit from the uk's independent free trade - ireland traders can benefit from the uk's independent free trade policy. uk's independent free trade policy when _ uk's independent free trade policy when importing _ uk's independent free trade policy when importing aggregate - uk's independent free trade policy when importing aggregate food i uk's independent free trade policy- when importing aggregate food goods, reflecting _ when importing aggregate food goods, reflecting northern— when importing aggregate food goods, reflecting northern ireland's _ reflecting northern ireland's integral— reflecting northern ireland's integral place _ reflecting northern ireland's integral place in _ reflecting northern ireland's integral place in the - reflecting northern ireland's integral place in the uk's . reflecting northern ireland's - integral place in the uk's customs territory — integral place in the uk's customs territory to — integral place in the uk's customs territory. to maintain _ integral place in the uk's customs territory. to maintain that - integral place in the uk's customs territory. to maintain that focus . integral place in the uk's customs. territory. to maintain that focus on delivering — territory. to maintain that focus on delivering and _ territory. to maintain that focus on delivering and interest _ territory. to maintain that focus on delivering and interest of— delivering and interest of businesses _ delivering and interest of businesses in _ delivering and interest of businesses in the - delivering and interest of businesses in the future, delivering and interest of. businesses in the future, we delivering and interest of- businesses in the future, we will put on _ businesses in the future, we will put on forward _ businesses in the future, we will put on forward new— businesses in the future, we will put on forward new structures i businesses in the future, we will. put on forward new structures like a new independent _ put on forward new structures like a new independent monitoring - put on forward new structures like a new independent monitoring panel. put on forward new structures like a i new independent monitoring panel to ensure _ new independent monitoring panel to ensure a _ new independent monitoring panel to ensure a practical— new independent monitoring panel to ensure a practical and _ new independent monitoring panel to ensure a practical and pragmatic- ensure a practical and pragmatic approach — ensure a practical and pragmatic approach without— ensure a practical and pragmatic approach without gold—plating. i approach without gold—plating. third. — approach without gold—plating. third. this _ approach without gold—plating. third, this deal— approach without gold—plating. third, this deal will— approach without gold—plating. third, this deal will recognise i approach without gold—plating. . third, this deal will recognise the connections — third, this deal will recognise the connections across— third, this deal will recognise the connections across the _ third, this deal will recognise the connections across the united - connections across the united kingdom _ connections across the united kingdom now— connections across the united kingdom now and _ connections across the united kingdom now and in - connections across the united kingdom now and in the - connections across the united i kingdom now and in the future. connections across the united - kingdom now and in the future. a new uk east-west — kingdom now and in the future. a new uk east—west economic— kingdom now and in the future. a new uk east—west economic council- kingdom now and in the future. a new uk east—west economic council will. uk east—west economic council will bring _ uk east—west economic council will bring businesses _ uk east—west economic council will bring businesses and _ uk east—west economic council will bring businesses and ministers - bring businesses and ministers together— bring businesses and ministers together to _ bring businesses and ministers together to identify— bring businesses and ministers together to identify the - together to identify the opportunities _ together to identify the opportunities that- together to identify the| opportunities that unite together to identify the i opportunities that unite is together to identify the - opportunities that unite is across all parts — opportunities that unite is across all parts of— opportunities that unite is across all parts of the _ opportunities that unite is across all parts of the united _ opportunities that unite is across all parts of the united kingdom l opportunities that unite is across i all parts of the united kingdom and all parts of the united kingdom and a new— all parts of the united kingdom and a new body, —

all parts of the united kingdom and a new body, into— all parts of the united kingdom and a new body, into trade _ all parts of the united kingdom and a new body, into trade uk, - all parts of the united kingdom and a new body, into trade uk, will- a new body, into trade uk, will promote — a new body, into trade uk, will promote and _ a new body, into trade uk, will promote and facilitate - a new body, into trade uk, will promote and facilitate trade i a new body, into trade uk, will. promote and facilitate trade within the united — promote and facilitate trade within the united kingdom, _ promote and facilitate trade within the united kingdom, recognising i promote and facilitate trade within i the united kingdom, recognising that whilst _ the united kingdom, recognising that whilst international— the united kingdom, recognising that whilst international trade _ the united kingdom, recognising that whilst international trade is— whilst international trade is important. _ whilst international trade is important, so— whilst international trade is important, so too - whilst international trade is important, so too is - whilst international trade is important, so too is the - whilst international trade is. important, so too is the vital whilst international trade is- important, so too is the vital trade that occurs — important, so too is the vital trade that occurs within _ important, so too is the vital trade that occurs within our— important, so too is the vital trade that occurs within our market. - important, so too is the vital trade that occurs within our market. —— i that occurs within our market. —— intertrade — that occurs within our market. —— intertrade uk~ _ that occurs within our market. —— intertrade uk. this _ that occurs within our market. —— intertrade uk. this deal- that occurs within our market. —— intertrade uk. this deal will- that occurs within our market. —— intertrade uk. this deal will help| intertrade uk. this deal will help put northern— intertrade uk. this deal will help put northern ireland's _ intertrade uk. this deal will help put northern ireland's public- put northern ireland's public services _ put northern ireland's public services on _ put northern ireland's public services on a _ put northern ireland's public services on a sustainable - put northern ireland's public- services on a sustainable footing, with funding _ services on a sustainable footing, with funding totalling _ services on a sustainable footing, with funding totalling over- services on a sustainable footing, with funding totalling over £3 - with funding totalling over £3 billion— with funding totalling over £3 billion to _ with funding totalling over £3 billion to support _ with funding totalling over £3 billion to support public- with funding totalling over £3 i billion to support public services in northern— billion to support public services in northern ireland, _ billion to support public services in northern ireland, providing. billion to support public services in northern ireland, providing a| in northern ireland, providing a solid _ in northern ireland, providing a solid foundation _ in northern ireland, providing a solid foundation for— in northern ireland, providing a solid foundation for the - in northern ireland, providing a l solid foundation for the executive to deliver — solid foundation for the executive to deliver better— solid foundation for the executive to deliver better outcomes - solid foundation for the executive to deliver better outcomes in - solid foundation for the executive to deliver better outcomes in the | to deliver better outcomes in the day-to-day— to deliver better outcomes in the day-to-day lives _ to deliver better outcomes in the day—to—day lives of _ to deliver better outcomes in the day—to—day lives of the _ to deliver better outcomes in the day—to—day lives of the people i to deliver better outcomes in the day—to—day lives of the people in northern— day—to—day lives of the people in northern ireland. _ day—to—day lives of the people in northern ireland. this _ day—to—day lives of the people in northern ireland. this is - day—to—day lives of the people in northern ireland. this is part- day—to—day lives of the people in northern ireland. this is part of. day—to—day lives of the people in| northern ireland. this is part of a financial— northern ireland. this is part of a financial package _ northern ireland. this is part of a financial package i— northern ireland. this is part of a financial package i announced - northern ireland. this is part of a . financial package i announced before christmas _ financial package i announced before christmas that — financial package i announced before christmas that will— financial package i announced before christmas that will help _ financial package i announced before christmas that will help address - christmas that will help address public— christmas that will help address public sector— christmas that will help address public sector pay— christmas that will help address public sector pay pressures, - christmas that will help address - public sector pay pressures, provide an updated — public sector pay pressures, provide an updated barnett _ public sector pay pressures, provide an updated barnett formula - public sector pay pressures, provide an updated barnett formula for- an updated barnett formula for northern— an updated barnett formula for northern ireland _ an updated barnett formula for northern ireland now— an updated barnett formula for northern ireland now and - an updated barnett formula for northern ireland now and into i an updated barnett formula for. northern ireland now and into the future, _ northern ireland now and into the future, reflecting _ northern ireland now and into the future, reflecting the _ northern ireland now and into the future, reflecting the needs- northern ireland now and into the future, reflecting the needs of. northern ireland now and into the| future, reflecting the needs of the unique _ future, reflecting the needs of the unique circumstances _ future, reflecting the needs of the unique circumstances of _ future, reflecting the needs of the unique circumstances of northernl unique circumstances of northern ireland _ unique circumstances of northern ireland and — unique circumstances of northern ireland and give _ unique circumstances of northern ireland and give the _ unique circumstances of northern ireland and give the executive - ireland and give the executive significant _ ireland and give the executive significant funding _ ireland and give the executive significant funding to - ireland and give the executive significant funding to stabilise public— significant funding to stabilise public finances. _ significant funding to stabilise public finances. much - significant funding to stabilise public finances. much of - significant funding to stabilise public finances. much of what| significant funding to stabilise. public finances. much of what i significant funding to stabilise - public finances. much of what i am announcing — public finances. much of what i am announcing today— public finances. much of what i am announcing today was _ public finances. much of what i am announcing today was the - public finances. much of what i am announcing today was the result. public finances. much of what i am j announcing today was the result of public finances. much of what i am l announcing today was the result of a significant _ announcing today was the result of a significant period _ announcing today was the result of a significant period of— announcing today was the result of a significant period of negotiations - significant period of negotiations between — significant period of negotiations between the _ significant period of negotiations between the government - significant period of negotiations between the government and - significant period of negotiations| between the government and the democratic— between the government and the democratic unionist _

between the government and the democratic unionist party, - between the government and the democratic unionist party, led i between the government and thej democratic unionist party, led by the right— democratic unionist party, led by the right honourable _ democratic unionist party, led by the right honourable member. i democratic unionist party, led by. the right honourable member. many democratic unionist party, led by- the right honourable member. many of us in this— the right honourable member. many of us in this chamber at _ the right honourable member. many of us in this chamber at last— the right honourable member. many of us in this chamber at last we _ the right honourable member. many of us in this chamber at last we could - us in this chamber at last we could not fail— us in this chamber at last we could not fail to— us in this chamber at last we could not fail to have _ us in this chamber at last we could not fail to have been _ us in this chamber at last we could not fail to have been struck - us in this chamber at last we could not fail to have been struck by - us in this chamber at last we could not fail to have been struck by his. not fail to have been struck by his unshakeable _ not fail to have been struck by his unshakeable advocacy— not fail to have been struck by his unshakeable advocacy on - not fail to have been struck by his unshakeable advocacy on behalf. not fail to have been struck by hisi unshakeable advocacy on behalf of the unionist— unshakeable advocacy on behalf of the unionist cause. _ unshakeable advocacy on behalf of the unionist cause. the _ unshakeable advocacy on behalf of the unionist cause. the same - the unionist cause. the same determination, _ the unionist cause. the same determination, fortitude - the unionist cause. the same determination, fortitude and | the unionist cause. the same - determination, fortitude and tact was at _ determination, fortitude and tact was at the — determination, fortitude and tact was at the heart _ determination, fortitude and tact was at the heart of _ determination, fortitude and tact was at the heart of his _ determination, fortitude and tact was at the heart of his approach. determination, fortitude and tact. was at the heart of his approach in those _ was at the heart of his approach in those detailed _ was at the heart of his approach in those detailed discussions. - was at the heart of his approach in| those detailed discussions. further to his _ those detailed discussions. further to his comments _ those detailed discussions. further to his comments in _ those detailed discussions. further to his comments in this— those detailed discussions. further to his comments in this place - those detailed discussions. further to his comments in this place last. to his comments in this place last week, _ to his comments in this place last week, i_ to his comments in this place last week, i am — to his comments in this place last week, i am absolutely— to his comments in this place last week, i am absolutely sure - to his comments in this place last week, i am absolutely sure the i to his comments in this place last - week, i am absolutely sure the whole house _ week, i am absolutely sure the whole house will— week, i am absolutely sure the whole house willioin — week, i am absolutely sure the whole house willjoin me _ week, i am absolutely sure the whole house willjoin me in _ week, i am absolutely sure the whole house willjoin me in expressing - house willjoin me in expressing support— house willjoin me in expressing support for— house willjoin me in expressing support for the _ house willjoin me in expressing support for the right _ house willjoin me in expressing support for the right honourable member— support for the right honourable member for— support for the right honourable memberfor largan_ support for the right honourable member for largan valley- support for the right honourable member for largan valley in - support for the right honourable. member for largan valley in italy condemning _ member for largan valley in italy condemning those _ member for largan valley in italy condemning those shameless - member for largan valley in italy - condemning those shameless figures who have _ condemning those shameless figures who have tried — condemning those shameless figures who have tried to _ condemning those shameless figures who have tried to threaten _ condemning those shameless figures who have tried to threaten unlimited | who have tried to threaten unlimited date in _ who have tried to threaten unlimited date in for— who have tried to threaten unlimited date in for simply— who have tried to threaten unlimited date in for simply doing _ who have tried to threaten unlimited date in for simply doing his - who have tried to threaten unlimited date in for simply doing hisjob. - who have tried to threaten unlimited date in for simply doing hisjob. —— l date in for simply doing hisjob. —— threaten _ date in for simply doing hisjob. —— threaten and — date in for simply doing hisjob. —— threaten and intimidate. _ date in for simply doing hisjob. —— threaten and intimidate. the - date in for simply doing hisjob. —— threaten and intimidate. the rightl threaten and intimidate. the right honourable — threaten and intimidate. the right honourable member— threaten and intimidate. the right honourable member is _ threaten and intimidate. the right honourable member is a - threaten and intimidate. the right honourable member is a man- threaten and intimidate. the right| honourable member is a man truly committed — honourable member is a man truly committed to _ honourable member is a man truly committed to northern _ honourable member is a man truly committed to northern ireland - honourable member is a man truly| committed to northern ireland and truly committed _ committed to northern ireland and truly committed to _ committed to northern ireland and truly committed to the _ committed to northern ireland and truly committed to the union - committed to northern ireland and truly committed to the union and l committed to northern ireland and| truly committed to the union and is someone _ truly committed to the union and is someone who— truly committed to the union and is someone who has _ truly committed to the union and is someone who has always _ truly committed to the union and is someone who has always worked . truly committed to the union and is i someone who has always worked hard to find _ someone who has always worked hard to find solutions _ someone who has always worked hard to find solutions and _ someone who has always worked hard to find solutions and improvements i to find solutions and improvements where _ to find solutions and improvements where others — to find solutions and improvements where others have _ to find solutions and improvements where others have taken _ to find solutions and improvements where others have taken the - to find solutions and improvements where others have taken the far - where others have taken the far easier— where others have taken the far easier path _ where others have taken the far easier path of _ where others have taken the far easier path of simply _ where others have taken the far easier path of simply criticising. easier path of simply criticising and heckling _ easier path of simply criticising and heckling from _ easier path of simply criticising and heckling from the - easier path of simply criticising. and heckling from the sidelines.

easier path of simply criticising - and heckling from the sidelines. the result, _ and heckling from the sidelines. the result, as _ and heckling from the sidelines. the result, as i _ and heckling from the sidelines. the result, as i hope _ and heckling from the sidelines. the result, as i hope honourable - and heckling from the sidelines. the . result, as i hope honourable members will agree, _ result, as i hope honourable members willagree, is— result, as i hope honourable members willagree, is a— result, as i hope honourable members will agree, is a deal— result, as i hope honourable members will agree, is a deal that _ result, as i hope honourable members will agree, is a deal that taken - result, as i hope honourable members will agree, is a deal that taken as - will agree, is a deal that taken as a whole. — will agree, is a deal that taken as a whole. is — will agree, is a deal that taken as a whole, is the _ will agree, is a deal that taken as a whole, is the right— will agree, is a deal that taken as a whole, is the right one - will agree, is a deal that taken as a whole, is the right one for- a whole, is the right one for northern— a whole, is the right one for northern ireland _ a whole, is the right one for northern ireland and - a whole, is the right one for northern ireland and for- a whole, is the right one forj northern ireland and for the a whole, is the right one for- northern ireland and for the union. with this _ northern ireland and for the union. with this package, _ northern ireland and for the union. with this package, it _ northern ireland and for the union. with this package, it is _ northern ireland and for the union. with this package, it is now- northern ireland and for the union. with this package, it is now time i with this package, it is now time for elected — with this package, it is now time for elected representatives - with this package, it is now time for elected representatives in . for elected representatives in northern— for elected representatives in northern ireland _ for elected representatives in northern ireland to _ for elected representatives in northern ireland to enter- for elected representatives in northern ireland to enter the | for elected representatives in - northern ireland to enter the two years— northern ireland to enter the two years of— northern ireland to enter the two years of impasse _ northern ireland to enter the two years of impasse and _ northern ireland to enter the two years of impasse and start - northern ireland to enter the two years of impasse and start work. years of impasse and start work again— years of impasse and start work again in— years of impasse and start work again in the _ years of impasse and start work again in the interests _ years of impasse and start work again in the interests of- years of impasse and start work again in the interests of the - years of impasse and start workj again in the interests of the two people — again in the interests of the two people who _ again in the interests of the two people who elected _ again in the interests of the two people who elected them. - again in the interests of the two| people who elected them. there again in the interests of the two - people who elected them. there were clear this _ people who elected them. there were clear this week— people who elected them. there were clear this week that _ people who elected them. there were clear this week that this _ people who elected them. there were clear this week that this depended - clear this week that this depended on the _ clear this week that this depended on the government _ clear this week that this depended on the government demonstratingj clear this week that this depended i on the government demonstrating its commitment — on the government demonstrating its commitment to— on the government demonstrating its commitment to the _ on the government demonstrating its commitment to the union _ on the government demonstrating its commitment to the union not - on the government demonstrating its commitment to the union not just - on the government demonstrating its commitment to the union not just ini commitment to the union notjust in its word _ commitment to the union notjust in its word but— commitment to the union notjust in its word but indeed, _ commitment to the union notjust in its word but indeed, and _ commitment to the union notjust in its word but indeed, and that - commitment to the union notjust in its word but indeed, and that is - its word but indeed, and that is exactly— its word but indeed, and that is exactly what _ its word but indeed, and that is exactly what we _ its word but indeed, and that is exactly what we will _ its word but indeed, and that is exactly what we will do. - its word but indeed, and that is exactly what we will do. today, its word but indeed, and that is. exactly what we will do. today, i its word but indeed, and that is - exactly what we will do. today, i am publishing _ exactly what we will do. today, i am publishing the — exactly what we will do. today, i am publishing the details _ exactly what we will do. today, i am publishing the details of— exactly what we will do. today, i am publishing the details of this - exactly what we will do. today, i am publishing the details of this deal. publishing the details of this deal but also — publishing the details of this deal but also laying _ publishing the details of this deal but also laying the _ publishing the details of this deal but also laying the strategy - but also laying the strategy implements... _ but also laying the strategy implements... those - but also laying the strategy implements... those will. but also laying the strategyl implements... those will be but also laying the strategy - implements... those will be laid in tomorrow— implements... those will be laid in tomorrow subject— implements... those will be laid in tomorrow subject to _ implements... those will be laid in tomorrow subject to change - implements... those will be laid in tomorrow subject to change in - tomorrow subject to change in business — tomorrow subject to change in business of— tomorrow subject to change in business of the _ tomorrow subject to change in business of the house, - tomorrow subject to change in business of the house, an- tomorrow subject to change in - business of the house, an immediate show of— business of the house, an immediate show of good — business of the house, an immediate show of good faith. _ business of the house, an immediate show of good faith. and _ business of the house, an immediate show of good faith. and once - business of the house, an immediate show of good faith. and once they- show of good faith. and once they are passed — show of good faith. and once they are passed by— show of good faith. and once they are passed by this _ show of good faith. and once they are passed by this house, - show of good faith. and once they are passed by this house, as - show of good faith. and once they are passed by this house, as i'm i are passed by this house, as i'm sure _ are passed by this house, as i'm sure they— are passed by this house, as i'm sure they will _ are passed by this house, as i'm sure they will be, _ are passed by this house, as i'm sure they will be, i'm _ are passed by this house, as i'm sure they will be, i'm just -

are passed by this house, as i'm sure they will be, i'm just we - are passed by this house, as i'm| sure they will be, i'm just we will have _ sure they will be, i'm just we will have the — sure they will be, i'm just we will have the conditions _ sure they will be, i'm just we will have the conditions to _ sure they will be, i'm just we will have the conditions to seek- have the conditions to seek ministers _ have the conditions to seek ministers back— have the conditions to seek ministers back in— have the conditions to seek ministers back in post - have the conditions to seek ministers back in post in i have the conditions to seek- ministers back in post in stormont shortly~ _ ministers back in post in stormont shortly~ as— ministers back in post in stormont shortly. as they _ ministers back in post in stormont shortly. as they take _ ministers back in post in stormont shortly. as they take their - ministers back in post in stormont shortly. as they take their places, | shortly. as they take their places, they will— shortly. as they take their places, they will face _ shortly. as they take their places, they will face massive _ shortly. as they take their places, they will face massive challenges i they will face massive challenges but they— they will face massive challenges but they will _ they will face massive challenges but they will have _ they will face massive challenges but they will have the _ they will face massive challenges but they will have the tools - they will face massive challenges but they will have the tools to . but they will have the tools to grasp — but they will have the tools to grasp them, _ but they will have the tools to grasp them, not— but they will have the tools to grasp them, not least - but they will have the tools to grasp them, not least looking j but they will have the tools to . grasp them, not least looking at but they will have the tools to - grasp them, not least looking at the public— grasp them, not least looking at the public sector— grasp them, not least looking at the public sector pay— grasp them, not least looking at the public sector pay issues _ grasp them, not least looking at the public sector pay issues that - grasp them, not least looking at the public sector pay issues that have i public sector pay issues that have been _ public sector pay issues that have been so _ public sector pay issues that have been so disruptive. _ public sector pay issues that have been so disruptive. as— public sector pay issues that have been so disruptive. as well- public sector pay issues that have been so disruptive. as well as - public sector pay issues that have l been so disruptive. as well as that, they will— been so disruptive. as well as that, they will be — been so disruptive. as well as that, they will be able _ been so disruptive. as well as that, they will be able to _ been so disruptive. as well as that, they will be able to grasp _ been so disruptive. as well as that, they will be able to grasp the - they will be able to grasp the opportunities _ they will be able to grasp the opportunities offered - they will be able to grasp the opportunities offered by - they will be able to grasp the opportunities offered by its l they will be able to grasp the - opportunities offered by its unique economic— opportunities offered by its unique economic position _ opportunities offered by its unique economic position and _ opportunities offered by its unique economic position and the - opportunities offered by its unique | economic position and the goodwill northern— economic position and the goodwill northern ireland _ economic position and the goodwill northern ireland enjoys _ economic position and the goodwill northern ireland enjoys across - economic position and the goodwill northern ireland enjoys across the| northern ireland enjoys across the world _ northern ireland enjoys across the world~ mr— northern ireland enjoys across the world. mr speaker, _ northern ireland enjoys across the world. mr speaker, it— northern ireland enjoys across the world. mr speaker, it is _ northern ireland enjoys across the world. mr speaker, it is only- northern ireland enjoys across the world. mr speaker, it is only right| world. mr speaker, it is only right that i_ world. mr speaker, it is only right that i acknowledge _ world. mr speaker, it is only right that i acknowledge that _ world. mr speaker, it is only right that i acknowledge that for- world. mr speaker, it is only right that i acknowledge that for manyi world. mr speaker, it is only right. that i acknowledge that for many in the community, _ that i acknowledge that for many in the community, an _ that i acknowledge that for many in the community, an important - that i acknowledge that for many in the community, an important part. that i acknowledge that for many in. the community, an important part of this will— the community, an important part of this will point — the community, an important part of this will point be _ the community, an important part of this will point be seeing _ the community, an important part of this will point be seeing michelle - this will point be seeing michelle 0'neill_ this will point be seeing michelle o'neill take _ this will point be seeing michelle o'neill take her— this will point be seeing michelle o'neill take her place _ this will point be seeing michelle o'neill take her place as- this will point be seeing michelle o'neill take her place as first- 0'neill take her place as first minister— o'neill take her place as first minister following _ o'neill take her place as first minister following the - o'neill take her place as first- minister following the democratic mandate — minister following the democratic mandate she _ minister following the democratic mandate she won _ minister following the democratic mandate she won in— minister following the democratic mandate she won in the - minister following the democratic mandate she won in the may- minister following the democratic mandate she won in the may 22 l mandate she won in the may 22 assembly— mandate she won in the may 22 assembly election. _ mandate she won in the may 22 assembly election. recognisingj mandate she won in the may 22 - assembly election. recognising that the first _ assembly election. recognising that the first and — assembly election. recognising that the first and deputy— assembly election. recognising that the first and deputy first _ assembly election. recognising that the first and deputy first ministersi the first and deputy first ministers remain— the first and deputy first ministers remain equal — the first and deputy first ministers remain equal in _ the first and deputy first ministers remain equal in law. _ the first and deputy first ministers remain equal in law. i— the first and deputy first ministers remain equal in law. i would - the first and deputy first ministers remain equal in law. i would look. remain equal in law. i would look forward _ remain equal in law. i would look forward to— remain equal in law. i would look forward to working _ remain equal in law. i would look forward to working with - remain equal in law. i would look forward to working with all- remain equal in law. i would look forward to working with all of- remain equal in law. i would look. forward to working with all of them to improve — forward to working with all of them to improve the _

forward to working with all of them to improve the lives _ forward to working with all of them to improve the lives of _ forward to working with all of them to improve the lives of people - forward to working with all of them| to improve the lives of people from all backgrounds, _ to improve the lives of people from all backgrounds, whether— to improve the lives of people from all backgrounds, whether unionist, | all backgrounds, whether unionist, nationalist — all backgrounds, whether unionist, nationalist or— all backgrounds, whether unionist, nationalist or other. _ all backgrounds, whether unionist, nationalist or other. as _ all backgrounds, whether unionist, nationalist or other. as we - all backgrounds, whether unionist, nationalist or other. as we work. nationalist or other. as we work swiftly— nationalist or other. as we work swiftly towards _ nationalist or other. as we work swiftly towards meeting - nationalist or other. as we work swiftly towards meeting our- swiftly towards meeting our commitments, _ swiftly towards meeting our commitments, i— swiftly towards meeting our commitments, i urge - swiftly towards meeting our| commitments, i urge others swiftly towards meeting our. commitments, i urge others to swiftly towards meeting our- commitments, i urge others to do the same _ commitments, i urge others to do the same in _ commitments, i urge others to do the same in getting — commitments, i urge others to do the same in getting a— commitments, i urge others to do the same in getting a first _ commitments, i urge others to do the same in getting a first and _ commitments, i urge others to do the same in getting a first and deputy- same in getting a first and deputy minister— same in getting a first and deputy minister elected _ same in getting a first and deputy minister elected and _ same in getting a first and deputy minister elected and appointing . same in getting a first and deputy. minister elected and appointing new members _ minister elected and appointing new members to— minister elected and appointing new members to the _ minister elected and appointing new members to the executive. - minister elected and appointing new members to the executive. it - minister elected and appointing new members to the executive. it is - minister elected and appointing new| members to the executive. it is time to build _ members to the executive. it is time to build on— members to the executive. it is time to build on the — members to the executive. it is time to build on the progress— members to the executive. it is time to build on the progress of— members to the executive. it is time to build on the progress of the - members to the executive. it is time to build on the progress of the last l to build on the progress of the last 25 years _ to build on the progress of the last 25 years we — to build on the progress of the last 25 years. we have _ to build on the progress of the last 25 years. we have today— to build on the progress of the lastj 25 years. we have today presented to build on the progress of the last l 25 years. we have today presented a plan that _ 25 years. we have today presented a plan that will— 25 years. we have today presented a plan that will deliver _ 25 years. we have today presented a plan that will deliver the _ 25 years. we have today presented a plan that will deliver the long—term i plan that will deliver the long—term change _ plan that will deliver the long—term change northern— plan that will deliver the long—term change northern ireland _ plan that will deliver the long—term change northern ireland needs, - plan that will deliver the long—terml change northern ireland needs, and strengthen— change northern ireland needs, and strengthen northern _ change northern ireland needs, and strengthen northern ireland's- change northern ireland needs, and strengthen northern ireland's place| strengthen northern ireland's place in our— strengthen northern ireland's place in our union— strengthen northern ireland's place in our union and _ strengthen northern ireland's place in our union and guarantee - strengthen northern ireland's place in our union and guarantee the - strengthen northern ireland's place in our union and guarantee the freej in our union and guarantee the free flow of— in our union and guarantee the free flow of goods — in our union and guarantee the free flow of goods across _ in our union and guarantee the free flow of goods across the _ in our union and guarantee the free flow of goods across the entire - flow of goods across the entire united — flow of goods across the entire united kingdom. _ flow of goods across the entire united kingdom. it— flow of goods across the entire united kingdom. it is - flow of goods across the entire united kingdom. it is only- flow of goods across the entire united kingdom. it is only by. united kingdom. it is only by sticking — united kingdom. it is only by sticking to _ united kingdom. it is only by sticking to this _ united kingdom. it is only by sticking to this plan - united kingdom. it is only by sticking to this plan that - united kingdom. it is only by sticking to this plan that we i united kingdom. it is only by. sticking to this plan that we will become — sticking to this plan that we will become a — sticking to this plan that we will become a more _ sticking to this plan that we will become a more united - sticking to this plan that we will become a more united and - sticking to this plan that we will - become a more united and prosperous country— become a more united and prosperous country together, _ become a more united and prosperous country together, and _ become a more united and prosperous country together, and i— become a more united and prosperous country together, and i commend - become a more united and prosperous country together, and i commend the| country together, and i commend the statement _ country together, and i commend the statement to — country together, and i commend the statement to the _ country together, and i commend the statement to the house. _ country together, and i commend the statement to the house.— statement to the house. shadow secretary of _ statement to the house. shadow secretary of state _ statement to the house. shadow secretary of state hillary - statement to the house. shadow secretary of state hillary benn. l secretary of state hillary benn. thank _ secretary of state hillary benn. thank you very much, mr speaker, and i'm grateful to the secretary of state for advance sight of his statement. this is a very significant moment. it is our chance

to restore to the people of northern ireland that which they desperately need but have been without for almost two years, a functioning government. it will also mark a first in northern ireland history, when michelle o'neill takes up her position as sinn fein first minister in a power—sharing government with a dup deputy first minister. i would like to thank the secretary of state for his tireless efforts that have brought us to this point. his is a great achievement. i would like to acknowledge the courageous and decisive leadership of the right honourable memberfor decisive leadership of the right honourable member for largan valley in the face of diffuse, has consistently and persuasively made his case for change while always being clear that he wanted to return to government with an agreement that was acceptable to all communities. i

also want to thank the other party leaders and ijoin the secretary of state in doing so, in northern ireland, you have with great wisdom allowed the time and the space for this deal to be reached as well as expressing my thanks to all of the officials involved. on the legislative changes that the right honourable gentleman has set out, i welcome the government's commitment not to ratify any new northern ireland related agreements with the eu that would create new regulatory borders. this will be a helpful break on divergence. the secretary of state say when the new uk internal market lane will come into being? we will of course examine in detail all the proposals in the statutory instruments to which he referred, but i understand, mr speaker, we are likely to debate tomorrow, because we need to get on with this so that the assembly can be recalled and the executive

established as quickly as possible. i have always made it clear that we believe in northern ireland's place in the internal market of the united kingdom and we support any practical measures that reinforce this which are consistent with the windsor framework which we also support and which have the support of nationalists as well as unionists. on that basis, we will vote for the legislation. the money he has announced, including the needs —based funding formula and the stabilisation funding, will enable a restored executive and is simply to give public sector workers a pay rise which they have waited too long for, start to tackle the huge challenges facing communities and public services, and make the most of the great economic potential of northern ireland. we also welcome the plans to defer and then write off stormont�*s overspend provided

that the executive produces a new fiscal sustainability plan. can i ask the honourable gentleman how quickly he expects the money to be transferred, and when does he think the new executive will produce a budget? finally, mr speaker, as we reflect on the importance of this moment, since the good friday agreement was signed, the people of northern ireland have been without a devolved government for over a third of the time. does the right honourable gentleman agree with me that we need to work together to prevent the institutions from collapsing again in the years ahead, all of us in the house? stability is everything, especially to the people of northern ireland after all they have been through, and we all have a duty now to ensure that it endures.

thank you very much indeed, and i would _ thank you very much indeed, and i would like — thank you very much indeed, and i would like to thank the shadow secretary of state for his very kind words _ secretary of state for his very kind words and — secretary of state for his very kind words and also put all the work he has done — words and also put all the work he has done with me on these matters. i really— has done with me on these matters. i really appreciate the way we have been _ really appreciate the way we have been able — really appreciate the way we have been able to work together and it has contributed to getting to this point _ has contributed to getting to this point and — has contributed to getting to this point and it has made a big difference so i thank him for that. he is— difference so i thank him for that. he is also— difference so i thank him for that. he is also completely right. everyone in this house will need to work— everyone in this house will need to work together to ensure stability for northern ireland, to ensure that the institutions do not fall again. it is the institutions do not fall again. it is vital— the institutions do not fall again. it is vital that we all understand the responsibility that sits on this place _ the responsibility that sits on this place in _ the responsibility that sits on this place in this aspect. we are guarantors of the belfast good friday— guarantors of the belfast good friday agreement and we have a responsibility to the people of northern ireland and in every way, with should — northern ireland and in every way, with should consider that in everything we do, because this union is stronger— everything we do, because this union is stronger for it. —— we should consider — is stronger for it. —— we should consider he _ is stronger for it. —— we should consider. he asked some questions on the uk _ consider. he asked some questions on the uk in _ consider. he asked some questions on the uk in total market lane and we hope _ the uk in total market lane and we hope to— the uk in total market lane and we hope to have it in operation as soon

as possible — hope to have it in operation as soon as possible but obviously we have some _ as possible but obviously we have some other changes needed to have that done~ _ some other changes needed to have that done. the money will flow as soon _ that done. the money will flow as soon as— that done. the money will flow as soon as the — that done. the money will flow as soon as the new executive is up and running _ soon as the new executive is up and running and — soon as the new executive is up and running and i— soon as the new executive is up and running and i would very much hope a new executive would be sitting very, very soon _ new executive would be sitting very, very soon. grip of the select committee. i very soon. grip of the select committee-— very soon. grip of the select committee. . , _, very soon. grip of the select committee. . , ., ~' committee. i warmly commend the work m riaht committee. i warmly commend the work my right honourable _ committee. i warmly commend the work my right honourable good _ committee. i warmly commend the work my right honourable good friend - committee. i warmly commend the work my right honourable good friend the - my right honourable good friend the secretary of state. —— my right honourable good friend the secretary of state. -- chair my right honourable good friend the secretary of state. --_ secretary of state. -- chair of the select committee. _ secretary of state. -- chair of the select committee. we _ secretary of state. -- chair of the select committee. we passed - select committee. we passed legislation — select committee. we passed legislation to _ select committee. we passed legislation to extend - select committee. we passed legislation to extend the - select committee. we passed . legislation to extend the election period _ legislation to extend the election period and we heard the impressive speech— period and we heard the impressive speech of— period and we heard the impressive speech of the right honourable gentleman for largan valley and he has demonstrated with his colleagues in the _ has demonstrated with his colleagues in the dup_ has demonstrated with his colleagues in the dup that you need is to choose — in the dup that you need is to choose and make difficult decisions and they— choose and make difficult decisions and they have done that and i think respect _ and they have done that and i think respect and praise is due in large measure — respect and praise is due in large measure due to their large work. i'm pleased _ measure due to their large work. i'm pleased that the command paper incorporates many of the sensible recommendations for the right honourable gentleman for belfast eased _ honourable gentleman for belfast eased which we share in terms of

further— eased which we share in terms of further legislation to make sure that the — further legislation to make sure that the position of northern ireland — that the position of northern ireland within that uk internal market— ireland within that uk internal market is absolutely cemented. —— belfast _ market is absolutely cemented. —— belfast bird back. secondly, iam particularly pleased that this paper looks— particularly pleased that this paper looks forward to new investment, not 'ust looks forward to new investment, not just that _ looks forward to new investment, not just that important investment in public— just that important investment in public services but the enhanced investment proposal of a which will be at _ investment proposal of a which will be at the _ investment proposal of a which will be at the centre of the way in which we attract _ be at the centre of the way in which we attract inward investment to realise — we attract inward investment to realise the huge potential to northern ireland presents in terms of northern ireland presents in terms orobs _ northern ireland presents in terms orobs and — northern ireland presents in terms ofjobs and the economy both here in the uk _ ofjobs and the economy both here in the uk and _ ofjobs and the economy both here in the uk and across the wider world. -- belfast— the uk and across the wider world. —— belfast east. mr speaker, it is now— —— belfast east. mr speaker, it is now tempting for this parliament to say once _ now tempting for this parliament to say once it — now tempting for this parliament to say once it passes the second legislation that the job is done, but we — legislation that the job is done, but we cannot afford to devolve and forget _ but we cannot afford to devolve and forget my— but we cannot afford to devolve and forget. my right honourable friend assured _ forget. my right honourable friend assured me this government will not devolve _ assured me this government will not devolve and forget. i

assured me this government will not devolve and forget.— devolve and forget. i thank my right honourable friend _ devolve and forget. i thank my right honourable friend for _ devolve and forget. i thank my right honourable friend for is _ devolve and forget. i thank my right honourable friend for is welcome i devolve and forget. i thank my right honourable friend for is welcome of| honourable friend for is welcome of this package of measures. it is a package and it has been negotiated over a long period of time with a better understanding of all the things that northern ireland needs to be an active and wonderful part of our union. i welcome his comments on the investments own and he is absolutely correct in what he finally said. northern ireland will never be forgotten in this place and i hope we are demonstrating that today. i hope we are demonstrating that toda . ,, i hope we are demonstrating that toda. ,, , ,, i hope we are demonstrating that toda. ,, ,, .. today. snp spokesperson richard thompson- _ today. snp spokesperson richard thompson. and _ today. snp spokesperson richard thompson. and i _ today. snp spokesperson richard thompson. and i just _ today. snp spokesperson richard thompson. and i just say - today. snp spokesperson richard thompson. and i just say on - today. snp spokesperson richard i thompson. and ijust say on behalf thompson. and i 'ust say on behalf of my party _ thompson. and i 'ust say on behalf of my party how _ thompson. and ijust say on behalf of my party how much _ thompson. and ijust say on behalf of my party how much we - thompson. and ijust say on behalf of my party how much we very - thompson. and i just say on behalfl of my party how much we very much welcome _ of my party how much we very much welcome the progress that has been made _ welcome the progress that has been made and _ welcome the progress that has been made and we are firmly of the view that northern ireland is going to best when governed locally and we look forward to the publication of the command paper. i would also like to take _ the command paper. i would also like to take this— the command paper. i would also like to take this opportunity to recognise the distance travelled by all parties and getting to this point — all parties and getting to this point but we were brought to this point _ point but we were brought to this point by— point but we were brought to this point by a — point but we were brought to this point by a failure of politics around _ point by a failure of politics around the manner in which the uk chose _ around the manner in which the uk chose to— around the manner in which the uk chose to leave the european union,

but now— chose to leave the european union, but now politics has moved on, it is time _ but now politics has moved on, it is time for— but now politics has moved on, it is time for politicians in northern ireland — time for politicians in northern ireland to _ time for politicians in northern ireland to step up and we wish the mlas _ ireland to step up and we wish the mlas well— ireland to step up and we wish the mlas well in that and we look forward — mlas well in that and we look forward to seeing the first minister and deputy first minister taking office _ and deputy first minister taking office in— and deputy first minister taking office in what will be a very significant moment in history for all in _ significant moment in history for all in this— significant moment in history for all in this islands. the secretary of state — all in this islands. the secretary of state describes his party of being — of state describes his party of being the party of the union and i should _ being the party of the union and i should say— being the party of the union and i should say that it has not gone unnoticed _ should say that it has not gone unnoticed in other parts of the union— unnoticed in other parts of the union that _ unnoticed in other parts of the union that northern ireland has had for some _ union that northern ireland has had for some time and offer of status in terms _ for some time and offer of status in terms of— for some time and offer of status in terms of its — for some time and offer of status in terms of its access to the uk and also the — terms of its access to the uk and also the european market which is now deprived to other parts of the union _ now deprived to other parts of the union and — now deprived to other parts of the union and i'm sure that voters will draw— union and i'm sure that voters will draw their— union and i'm sure that voters will draw their own conclusions from that _ draw their own conclusions from that but — draw their own conclusions from that. but could i ask two questions? could _ that. but could i ask two questions? could i_ that. but could i ask two questions? could i ask— that. but could i ask two questions? could i ask when we might see details — could i ask when we might see details of— could i ask when we might see details of any new fiscal framework emerging? while i would like to take this opportunity to welcome the new east-west _ this opportunity to welcome the new east—west economic council, could you clarify — east—west economic council, could you clarify what role they may be part of— you clarify what role they may be part of the — you clarify what role they may be part of the devolved institutions in these _ part of the devolved institutions in these islands to make that new

council — these islands to make that new council a — these islands to make that new council a successful as it possibly can be? — council a successful as it possibly can be? i— council a successful as it possibly can be? . ~ council a successful as it possibly can be? . ,, ., ., can be? i thank the honourable gentleman _ can be? i thank the honourable gentleman for— can be? i thank the honourable gentleman for his _ can be? i thank the honourable gentleman for his questions . can be? i thank the honourable| gentleman for his questions and can be? i thank the honourable - gentleman for his questions and his welcome and indeed for his help over the course of the last weeks and months which has been much appreciated and helped us to get to this place. he is right to recognise that northern ireland is a special place and has a special place. it is the only part of the united kingdom with a land border with the european union and that has created in the past disadvantage, and hopefully in the future, advantage for it. but i think everyone recognises that is the case and that was recognised both in the windsor framework and as he will see, in the command paper the various choices we are making there. i hope the incoming northern ireland executive and ministers responsible will work with her majesty's treasury in great detail to make sure we get that right. i have never

conducted a negotiation with her majesty's treasury in that sort of way, i imagine they have quite tight pockets and they are difficult to get hold of and probably wouldn't want ongoing commentary, but i'm sure they will make it as public as they can when they can. and i thank —— | they can when they can. and i thank —— i think on the point about the east—west body, it's important it works with all parts of great britain. . . . , britain. can i congratulate my right honourable friend _ britain. can i congratulate my right honourable friend on _ britain. can i congratulate my right honourable friend on his— britain. can i congratulate my right honourable friend on his patience l britain. can i congratulate my right| honourable friend on his patience of this deal, the prime minister and the dup for negotiating such a tough and positive document. the northern ireland parties have been incredibly patient through the last months. i pay tribute to them. and i would like to put on record thanks to the labour party and the shadow secretary of state for the labour party for their support of the government's deal. this will be a huge relief to many across northern ireland who whether it is public

services, waiting lists or other elements of society