Northern Ireland Assembly Members Bill [HL]

Well, it is surprising what one has seen in one’s life. It is not the case that the Government are interested in protecting the DUP and Sinn Fein, which is what the noble Lord was saying, although not in so many words. The Government believe that on an issue as important as this we should try to achieve agreement between the parties before taking action. However, I have heard the strength of feeling around the Committee this afternoon and I shall take this back and reflect further.