On 14 November, the Lords passed the Northern Ireland Budget Bill, an emergency measure to provide funds for public services in the Province. The Bill was made necessary by the failure of talks to restore Northern Ireland’s devolved government, which collapsed in January.
In his speech in the debate, Alistair Lexden expressed deep regret that badly needed improvements in the organisation of some public services had inevitably stalled, and went on to call strongly for an end to the political limbo into which the Province had been cast. Quoting Dr Johnson, he said that those who believed that devolution could be restored were encouraging “phantoms of hope”. A firm date should now be fixed for the conclusion of the long-running inter-party talks on a return to devolution. Alternative ways of governing Northern Ireland should be explored.
Follow the link to read his speech… theyworkforyou