Phillip Brett
North Belfast · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Paula has been a diligent Chair who has championed the interests of victims and survivors. I personally thank her for her work on the Bill. I pay tribute to Committee members, who also dedicated their time to the Bill, and to our Committee staff.”
“At the outset, I pay tribute to the Member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone for her heartfelt and valuable contribution. As you rightly said, Mr Deputy Speaker, her family will be very proud of the contribution that she has just made. <BR /> <BR />Today marks a truly significant moment.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am therefore delighted to report to the House that a U-turn has been secured. This year, the Twelfth has been promoted through Discover Northern Ireland's social media channels.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Bill will establish a statutory public inquiry alongside a redress scheme, both of which are important. Their establishment recognises that there is a responsibility not only to uncover truth but to acknowledge the profound harm that was caused.”
“I warmly welcome the progress that has been achieved in the promotion of the Twelfth of July and our wider Orange and Ulster-Scots traditions by Tourism Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />Today's debate is not about rewriting history but about confronting history honestly. It is about recognising that vulnerable women and children were failed by institutions, by society and by the state.”
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“Paula has been a diligent Chair who has championed the interests of victims and survivors. I personally thank her for her work on the Bill. I pay tribute to Committee members, who also dedicated their time to the Bill, and to our Committee staff. I place on record my thanks to the Executive Office officials, including Martin and his team. I think that Martin saw more of our Committee than he did of his family in recent weeks to ensure that we got the Bill right. It is important that I recognise that. <BR /> <BR />The arc of the moral universe is long, but, eventually, it bends towards justice. Today, through this legislation and the work of the people in the Public Gallery, we take another step towards bending that arc towards justice for those who, for too long, were denied what they deserved. With that, I commend the Bill to the House.”
“Today, we acknowledge them. Today, we honour their courage and commit to ensuring that those injustices are never forgotten. <BR /> <BR />I will briefly pay tribute to all involved in the process. First, I pay tribute to junior Minister Bunting and junior Minister Reilly, whose commitment to the Bill and to ensuring that it was shaped by victims and survivors cannot be overstated. I acknowledge the importance of the First Minister's being in the Chamber today. Her presence recognises the commitment of the First Minister and the deputy First Minister, the junior Ministers, the Assembly and the Executive to delivering on the legislation. I also pay tribute to the Chair of the Committee, Paula Bradshaw, who dedicated her time to the Bill not just professionally but personally.”
“<BR /> <BR />Today's debate is not about rewriting history but about confronting history honestly. It is about recognising that vulnerable women and children were failed by institutions, by society and by the state. It is about ensuring that future generations understand what happened and why safeguards must always exist to protect the dignity, rights and welfare of every individual in our society. History cannot be rewritten. The pain that victims and survivors endured cannot be undone. The years that were stolen from them can never be restored. Today, however, the Assembly has the opportunity to ensure that those wrongs are finally recognised, that the truth, which has been evaded for so long, is finally pursued and that those who suffered the most are heard. For too long, many carried their burden in silence.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Bill will establish a statutory public inquiry alongside a redress scheme, both of which are important. Their establishment recognises that there is a responsibility not only to uncover truth but to acknowledge the profound harm that was caused. Although no financial payment can ever compensate victims for what they endured, redress is about far more than money. It is about providing recognition and dignity and acknowledging that grievous wrongs were committed and that society has a responsibility to confront those wrongs honestly. As legislators, we have a duty to ensure that the inquiry is independent, robust and capable of commanding the confidence of those whom it is intended to serve. Victims and survivors must remain at the heart of the process, because, above all else, the legislation is about them.”
“Many carried those experiences in silence for decades; others, sadly, never lived to see this day. That is why I begin by paying tribute to victims and survivors who found the courage to tell their stories. Reliving deeply traumatic experiences was never easy, yet they did so because they wanted to ensure that future generations would know the truth and that what happened to them would never be repeated. <BR /> <BR />I recognise the tireless work of the campaigners, advocacy groups and families who refused to let the issue disappear. Through years of persistence, determination and dignity, they ensured that their voices could no longer be ignored. Without their commitment, we would not be debating the Bill at its Final Stage today.”
“At the outset, I pay tribute to the Member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone for her heartfelt and valuable contribution. As you rightly said, Mr Deputy Speaker, her family will be very proud of the contribution that she has just made. <BR /> <BR />Today marks a truly significant moment. No legislation can erase the suffering endured by those who suffered in mother-and-baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and workhouses. The Bill cannot restore the years that were stolen from them or heal every wound or pain that so many women, children and families have carried throughout their lives, but it represents an important step towards acknowledging those wrongs, finally establishing truth and providing long-overdue recognition and redress. <BR /> <BR />For too long, many victims and survivors felt ignored, dismissed or simply forgotten.”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, will you rule on whether the ignorant comment that was made by the Member opposite, in which she described democratically elected Members as "lackeys", is appropriate parliamentary language? Will you further advise that the petition of concern is set down in Standing Orders for Members to use and that, although the Member may not like the outcome, that is the democratic will of the process of the petition of concern?”
“For too long, many parts of our community have felt that Departments have ignored those traditions: that is no longer the case. I hope that this marks not just a one-year improvement but a lasting commitment to ensuring that the Twelfth of July, our Orange tradition and Ulster-Scots heritage continue to receive the support that they deserve. It is good news for our culture and our tourism and for the Northern Ireland economy.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am therefore delighted to report to the House that a U-turn has been secured. This year, the Twelfth has been promoted through Discover Northern Ireland's social media channels. In addition, due to the work of my DUP colleague Cheryl Brownlee, the Royal Landing commemorations in Carrickfergus have been included in official Northern Ireland marketing material. That is real progress, and it deserves to be recognised. The scale of the Twelfth of July cannot be ignored. Tens of thousands of participants take part in events across Northern Ireland, with tens of thousands of people coming out to support that important day. <BR /> <BR />The Orange tradition and Ulster-Scots tradition are a vital part of our cultural heritage, and they deserve the same respect, promotion and inclusion as any other culture or identity.”
“I warmly welcome the progress that has been achieved in the promotion of the Twelfth of July and our wider Orange and Ulster-Scots traditions by Tourism Northern Ireland. Last summer, I was hugely disappointed when Tourism Northern Ireland promoted a range of events taking place across Belfast but completely ignored the Twelfth of July, despite it being the largest annual cultural event in our capital city. I raised those concerns publicly at the time and continued to pursue the issue, including by directly questioning Tourism Northern Ireland officials when they appeared before the Economy Committee. My message that day was simple: if Tourism Northern Ireland is genuinely committed to promoting everything that Northern Ireland has to offer, it cannot overlook one of the biggest cultural and tourism events on the island.”
“The outworkings of the rules date back to 2021, when the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill was introduced by my colleague Diane Dodds, the then Minister and Member for Upper Bann, who was supported by the now Minister and then Chair of the Committee, Dr Archibald. On behalf of the Committee and my party, I pay tribute to all involved in that important work, and I recommend that the Assembly vote for the regulations.”
“The second statutory rule, SR 2026/74, provides for new definitions to facilitate the inclusion of miscarriage in parental bereavement leave and pay and makes consequential amendments to the leave and pay regulations. The rules were considered by our Committee in April 2026. The Committee was unanimous in its support for the measures, which support the needs of parents in the most difficult situations. On behalf of the Committee, I am therefore pleased to commend both statutory rules to the House. <BR /> <BR />In my role as a DUP MLA, I pay tribute to the Minister and her officials for bringing the rules forward in a timely manner.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I commend the regulations and rules to the Assembly on behalf of the Committee. As the Minister articulated, the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 introduced a statutory entitlement to 10 days of parental bereavement leave, together with a statutory payment for eligible working parents who have experienced a stillbirth from the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy or the death of a child up to their 18th birthday. The Assembly recently extended those entitlements to those who experienced a miscarriage up to the end of the twenty-third week of pregnancy. <BR /> <BR />The first statutory rule, SR 2026/58, amends other regulations and removes unnecessary expiry arrangements.”
“When I was in France just two weeks ago, we witnessed the youngest-ever team play an international game for Northern Ireland. People of all backgrounds, traditions and none came together to represent their country on the world stage. Let this be the last World Cup during which I am in the House and not supporting Northern Ireland.”
“Whether visiting grassroots football clubs across the country or representing Northern Ireland on the international stage, Conrad treated everyone equally. Even while facing personal health challenges, he continued to serve with courage and determination, earning the admiration and affection of the entire football community. As a proud member of the green and white army, I pay tribute to his presidency. <BR /> <BR />As one chapter closes, another one opens. I am absolutely delighted that Mr Raymond Kennedy was elected last evening as the new president of the Irish Football Association. We stand in remarkable times for Northern Ireland.”
“Last evening, Conrad Kirkwood ended his remarkable tenure as president of the Irish Football Association (IFA) after five years of exemplary service and dedication to our game. It is right that we, as a House, thank Conrad for the work that he has done over the past five years. He ensured that at the heart of all of his dedicated work were volunteers and the growth of the women's game. His many wonderful achievements include securing Michael O'Neill as international manager for the next seven years, overseeing the unprecedented growth of women's football and helping to secure the Women's World Cup for Northern Ireland in 2035. <BR /> <BR />Conrad's leadership at the helm of the IFA has been characterised by integrity, humility and an unwavering commitment to the sport that he loves.”
“Although my concerns about, and opposition to, the amendment are on the record in Committee and in the House, given the nature of the amendment before us, the fact that I am in the minority and the importance of the Assembly's sending a clear message, my party will not divide the House on amendment No 11. I do remain concerned about the amendment, but it is not appropriate that we divide the House, given the impact that our doing so may have on victims and survivors.”
“<BR /> <BR />I will now speak to amendment No 11. I have been clear and consistent that the date in the Bill is the date that should be used. I have concerns that amending the date risks the deliverability of the Bill, but I recognise that my party and I are in the minority in thinking that. My position has not been an attempt to single out victims or to ignore how deeply unfair some of them believe that date to be, however. I come at this from the genuine position of wanting the Bill to be delivered, and I worry that amendment No 11 would undermine that happening.”
“I do not think that any Member wants to delay the legislative process further. It is clear that victims and survivors have had to wait far too long to get to this stage. It would be a dereliction of duty for Members to take any action that could delay the Bill or risk its viability. <BR /> <BR />We will support amendment Nos 12 and 15 in the names of the First Minister and the deputy First Minister. I particularly welcome amendment No 15. At Consideration Stage, I flagged the fact that Mr Carroll's amendment No 42 had conflated two processes: that for an eligible relative for the purpose of making a posthumous claim and that for what should happen when an applicant dies during the process. Unfortunately, despite my warnings, Members voted the amendment through. There is, however, an opportunity now for that to be corrected.”
“Should Members vote for Mr Carroll's amendments, although they are well intentioned, we do not have the luxury of a further Further Consideration Stage to tidy up the Bill and the difficulties that his amendments may create. My party will therefore oppose them. <BR /> <BR />It is important to read into the record an extract from the letter from the First Minister and the deputy First Minister. They do not come at the amendment from a position of political opposition but from the point of view of deliverability. They state:”
“I pay tribute to the Members who spoke before me for their bravery and for the testimony that they have just given. <BR /> <BR />First, I oppose amendment Nos 9, 10, 13 and 14 in the name of Mr Carroll. I know that Mr Carroll articulated that he believes that the First Minister and deputy First Minister, in the correspondence that they sent to the Committee today, were engaging in scaremongering. However, the Chair of the Committee rightly articulated the expert-led evidence that we have received to date, particularly from PRONI and departmental officials, about the impact that a late change to the legislation may have on the overall deliverability of the Bill. I do not question that the Member is well intentioned, but, unfortunately, there are no further amending stages after Further Consideration Stage today.”
“When I raised concerns about it, he simply dismissed them and said that they could be dealt with at Further Consideration Stage. I implore Members to remember that they are voting on legislation that will have real-world impacts, and we should be guided not by emotion but by fact. <BR /> <BR />We will support amendment Nos 1 to 8.”
“Despite the difficulties of seeking consensus among the Committee on occasions, she chaired the proceedings diligently. I thank all my colleagues; while we did not always agree, we disagreed respectfully but with a shared aim of delivering the best possible outcome for victims and survivors. <BR /> <BR />I particularly welcome amendment No 6, which stands in the name of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. When Mr Carroll proposed his amendment at Consideration Stage, I raised major concerns about it and the impact that it could have on not just GDPR but potential court proceedings. It is a lesson that, when concerns are raised about legislation, Members should reflect on them. The fact that officials have had to spend weeks undoing the damage that Mr Carroll's amendment did to the Bill is disappointing.”
“On behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party, I support amendment Nos 1 to 8, which stand in the name of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. At the outset, I join colleagues in paying tribute to victims and survivors for their continued engagement and bravery during the process. <BR /> <BR />At the heart of amendment Nos 1 to 8 is truth recovery, justice and ensuring that what people have fought for for many years is finally delivered. I pay tribute to junior Minister Reilly and junior Minister Bunting, who have spent considerable time since Consideration Stage engaging with victims, survivors and officials to ensure that, today, we have the strongest possible legislation before the House. I also pay tribute to the Chair of the Executive Office Committee and Member for South Belfast, Mrs Bradshaw.”
“If words are so important, does the First Minister now distance herself from her comments that there was no alternative to the sectarian murderous campaign of the IRA?”
“Thank you, Minister. One of your party colleagues whom you appointed to the board of Invest Northern Ireland, Mr Peter Lynch, was convicted of terrorist activity in 1993 for conspiracy to commit murder. Is there any crime that someone could carry out that, in your view, would disbar them from being appointed to public office? Or, is the sole qualification for appointment by you that they be a party colleague?”
“Will the Minister commit to saying that his amendments will not dilute councils' ability to take action against such land, which, through no fault of their own, impacts on my constituents?”
“I appreciate the Minister giving way. On that point, the Minister will know that I have been supportive of the general principles of the Bill, particularly given the impact of dereliction and dilapidation on my constituency of North Belfast. <BR /> <BR />There is one issue, Minister, in relation to ownership. You will be aware — I have written to you on a number of occasions about it — that Japanese knotweed is growing on some unregistered land in the lower part of North Belfast and that that is impacting on local residents. The Bill was seen as the vehicle and the opportunity for councils to take action on that, given its impact on privately owned properties.”
“I am particularly grateful to them for allowing us to open a new memorial to Edward and Robert. As part of the commemoration, a new mural was unveiled, providing a lasting tribute from our community to those who were murdered in cold blood. <BR /> <BR />Fifty years on, we remember those men with honour and pride, their lives taken by republican terrorists just because they were Protestants. Edward McMurray and Robert Groves will continue to be remembered proudly by the North Belfast community. Today and every day, we remember their families and loved ones.”
“Despite 50 years of pain and loss, they have continued to honour the memory of their loved ones with dignity and grace.”
“Their only crime was to be ordinary members of our community out enjoying an evening with friends. Others were injured, and many more continue to carry the scars of that night. For the McMurray and Groves families, the effects of that bombing did not end when the debris was cleared. The pain, grief and loss that they experienced continues to have an impact on them. <BR /> <BR />I place on record my sincere thanks to the York Road Historical Society for organising such a dignified event. In particular, I pay tribute to Jim Bolland and Brian Boyd, the current owner of the Times Bar, for the immense amount of work that they undertook. I also acknowledge the many organisations and individuals who supported the event. Most importantly, I thank the McMurray and Groves families, who were represented on the evening.”
“The week before last, I was honoured to join hundreds of members of the lower north Belfast community as we came together to remember on its 50th anniversary the Times Bar bombing, which took place on 5 June 1976. The commemoration marked 50 years since a terrorist attack tore the heart out of the lower north Belfast community. The Times Bar, which is located at the junction of York Road and Mountcollyer Road, was, and still is, a part of everyday life in north Belfast. It was a familiar meeting place where local people gathered for companionship and conversation during our darkest days. <BR /> <BR />On that June evening, republican terrorism brought devastation to that ordinary setting. Edward McMurray, aged 41, and Robert Groves, aged 45, were murdered in cold blood.”
“Does the Member agree that it is absolutely disgraceful for Mr Tennyson to have criticised Mr Chambers, who has been in public office since before Mr Tennyson was even born? Whether you agree politically with Mr Chambers or not, he has given dedicated public service for generations, including during the most difficult times in Northern Ireland. He should be apologised to for that disgraceful remark.”
“Unfortunately, there are people in the House who deal in deliberate deception. Last week, when I was on the streets of north Belfast, I phoned the Minister directly to ensure that support was provided to those most in need, and I thank him for that. Will the Minister take this opportunity to outline to those who sat in their armchairs and on Twitter — probably donating to other people who were engaged in criminality — what physical action he took, rather than sending meaningless and pointless tweets?”
“Will the Minister outline what the cost of the appointments will be? From a cursory look, it seems as though it will be £500 per day for a member who sits on the just transition commission. Given that your front-line public services are stretched, is that a good use of your departmental resource?”
“I will not take lectures from the SDLP, whose Member of Parliament for Foyle can tweet about Elon Musk and Israel but cannot send out a single tweet about the Protestant community in the Fountain estate, who are being besieged, with five people having been arrested for that. We see your hypocrisy. <BR /> <BR />I call out violence and intimidation, but my community, who engaged in peaceful and lawful protest, will not be lectured by anyone in the House. Two things can be right at once: our immigration system is wrong, broken and needs to be fixed, but violence is also wrong.”
“The party opposite is led by a person who continues to state that there was no alternative to violence in Northern Ireland. You cannot tell a community that there was no alternative to violence and then condemn people for engaging in violence. I will not take lectures from political parties that, only a number of years ago, were willing to donate their money to bail out protesters and criminals in the United States of America but now condemn people in Northern Ireland. I will not take lectures from People Before Profit. When the barbaric attack took place on 7 October, its first reaction was not to mention the men, women and children who were killed but to tweet, "Victory to the Palestinian Resistance".”
“I know the difference between peaceful protest and criminality, and what we saw last week was, on many occasions, criminality. However, equally and without hesitation, I will not allow the thousands of people in North Belfast who engaged in peaceful democratic protest, following the grotesque attempted beheading of one of my constituents, and expressed their concern about the immigration system to be smeared as the far right or racist. Peaceful protest is the cornerstone of any free and democratic society. That is what the overwhelming majority of people participated in, and they do not deserve to be condemned or caricatured. <BR /> <BR />I want to call out the breathtaking and utter hypocrisy on show from some in the House.”
“I say that not from the comfort of an armchair or to speak down to communities from on high, as some people have done, but as someone who spent three nights on the ground in north Belfast — on the Shore Road, in Cloughfern, in Glengormley — working alongside dedicated community volunteers to restore order and support those who were impacted.”
“On behalf of myself, my colleagues in North Belfast and my party, I condemn, without reservation, the violence and disorder that occurred in places across Northern Ireland. I am clear, as is my party, that violence has never had and never will have any role to play in society in Northern Ireland.”
“I appreciate the Member's giving way. He is always generous with his time. The point that the Minister was making was that it was sent to Executive colleagues in November 2024. I welcome the Member's agreement that legislation that is thrown down on the Executive table should not be simply rubber-stamped or approved and that 18 months should be a period that Ministers expect. Does that also apply to the proposed employment rights Bill from your Minister? Last Thursday, Mr Kearney — your party chairman — gave off about the DUP having looked at that legislation for 24 days. Is it your advice now that we should look at it for 18 months before we allow it into this place?”
“There needs to be a balanced approach, and my approach is to support the principles of the Bill: to end cruelty and protect legitimate countryside activity, ensuring that Northern Ireland no longer falls behind the rest of the United Kingdom. I will be supporting the passage of the Bill today.”
“We are saying that Northern Ireland should no longer stand apart from the rest of our United Kingdom on basic animal welfare issues. We are saying that tradition is not a sufficient defence for cruelty. We are saying that the proper way to deal with legitimate concerns is to improve the Bill, not to block it from progressing. The question today is not one of whether every clause is perfect. The question is one of whether the principle is right, and I believe that it is. I believe that Northern Ireland should no longer be an outlier on these islands; I believe that hunting wild mammals with dogs for fun is morally wrong; and I believe that tradition alone is no longer a defence for cruelty.”
“Every Member in the House deals with those issues every day, but caring about hospital waiting lists does not mean that we cannot also care about animal cruelty. Caring about the economy does not mean that we cannot also care about welfare standards. <BR /> <BR />A society is judged not only on how it treats people but on whether it is prepared to prevent avoidable cruelty. That is what this comes down to: avoidable cruelty. No one is saying that farmers should be left unable to protect livestock. No one is saying that genuine pest control should be impossible. No one is saying that rural communities and their traditions should be ignored. What we are saying is that the deliberate pursuit of wild mammals with dogs for entertainment should now end.”
“I also want to address the argument that tradition should carry divisive or decisive weight in this discussion. I understand that traditions form a part of identity, culture and community, but the Assembly has a duty to address practices by the standards of today, not simply by the habits of the past. There is a difference between respecting rural heritage and defending cruelty. There is a difference between protecting legitimate countryside activity and allowing the deliberate pursuit of animals for entertainment. The Bill, if properly amended and scrutinised, should be capable of making that distinction. <BR /> <BR />Some will say that we have bigger priorities, including health, education, the economy and front-line public services. Of course we do.”
“Where legitimate rural activity needs to be protected, we should do so plainly in the Bill.”
“<BR /> <BR />If the Bill passes this stage, I will expect the Committee to take evidence from welfare organisations, farmers, landowners, rural organisations, veterinary voices, enforcement bodies and those with experience of how similar laws have operated in England, Scotland and Wales. We should learn from other jurisdictions, not simply copy and paste. Where loopholes have existed elsewhere, we should close them. Where enforcement has been difficult elsewhere, we should improve the drafting.”
“If Members or stakeholders believe that there are areas of the Bill that need to be clarified, the right response is to engage with the Committee process, propose amendments — given Mr Frew's record to date on the issue of amendments, I have no doubt that there will be many coming forward — and test the drafting to improve the legislation. The wrong response is to exaggerate uncertainty, create fear or pretend that any imperfection in the Bill is a reason to oppose it. We should be clear: the need for further work is not an argument against the principle of the Bill, it is an argument for us all to do our job properly.”
“That is how good law is made. However, there is a clear difference between those who raise practical concerns in good faith and those who seek to sow confusion in order to prevent any change from taking place at all. Legal opinions can be commissioned for a wide variety of issues. They tend to give the answer to the question that the questioner, and those who are paying for the legal advice, are seeking. Genuine scrutiny should be welcomed, and genuine concerns should be listened to, but confusion should not be used — I will not allow it to be — as a tactic to block progress on the issue.”
“The debate should not become an anti-farmer, anti-rural or anti-countryside debate; it should be about drawing a clear and moral legal line between necessary, humane animal management and the pursuit of wild animals for sport. That is the distinction that I make with the Bill. We can support farmers and still oppose cruelty, we can respect rural life and still say that hunting for entertainment is wrong, and we can protect legitimate countryside activity and still support the principle of the Bill. <BR /> <BR />The Bill needs further work. The exemptions, definitions and evidential threshold must be made clear, along with the guidance for enforcement bodies. I believe that the proposer of the Bill will work constructively with those who are genuinely interested in clarifying, improving and strengthening legislation.”