Report on progress towards devolution of justice powers debated in Northern Ireland Assembly

I welcome a report, debated today in the Northern Ireland Assembly, which outlines current progress towards the devolution of policing and criminal justice.

Following today’s debate, the Assembly will formally report to me as Secretary of State in advance of me laying the report before Parliament.

Our polling makes it clear that the majority of people in Northern Ireland want this to happen and the Chief Constable, the person responsible for delivering policing on the ground, has also said that powers should be devolved.

I welcome the publication of the Committee report and the debate in the Assembly.

The report contains clear decisions about structures and what powers will be devolved.

It also calls on political parties to meet to discuss outstanding issues to complete devolution and the Government stands ready to facilitate these talks.

The people of Northern Ireland wish to see locally elected and accountable politicians taking decisions on policing and justice matters and the Government will fulfil its obligation to ensure that powers can be transferred as soon as the Assembly accepts responsibility for completing devolution.