Terrorism Bill (Programme) (No. 2)

Even more contradictions are thrown up by other legislation, but I shall not go into them now, Mr. Speaker. The Secretary of State should realise that his decision on the time for debate necessarily prevents a profound understanding of why the Government believe that they are being consistent and joined up in their thinking with regard to Northern Ireland terrorism and international terrorism. Of course the Government can force these things through in a short period, but I warn the Home Secretary that if he insists on doing so with inadequate explanation, not only will he create resentments in the Chamber, but the ramifications of the programme motion for today’s Bill are likely to cause significant and practical obstructions that could well prevent the Government from passing other Bills that they desperately want passed in respect of Northern Ireland. Let us have a fast debate if that is what the Home Secretary wants, but let us recognise that the Government will pay many times over in terms of the delay and obstruction that will take place, particularly in the other place, because our good will on Northern Ireland matters has been utterly exhausted.