Speeches and Debates

Vara calls on politicians to use measured language when discussing Northern Ireland in relation to Brexit

30th January 2019

As the Brexit process progresses, Shailesh Vara calls on politicians to use measured language as recent events have shown the peace in Northern Ireland is clearly still fragile at times.

Brexit: Withdrawal Agreement

15th January 2019

Shailesh Vara explains why he will vote against the Prime Minister’s withdrawal agreement in the meaningful vote.

Shailesh Vara rejects scaremongering about trading on WTO rules

9th January 2019

Shailesh Vara rejects scaremongering about trading on WTO rules and quotes the president of the Port of Calais who said that there will not be queues at Dover.

Shailesh Vara says a second referendum would destroy UK credibility to speak up for democracy

10th December 2018

Following the Prime Minister’s statement on the Brexit withdrawal agreement and the decision to delay the vote, Shailesh Vara says that any attempt to hold a second referendum would ensure that the UK would lose all credibility on the international stage when speaking up for democracy.

Shailesh Vara asks the Prime Minister about the UK leaving the Brexit backstop

4th December 2018

During the opening day of the debate on the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, Shailesh Vara asks the Prime Minister why, since neither the EU, Ireland or the UK wish to use the backstop, the EU would not, as a sign of good faith, permit one additional line in the agreement to the effect that the UK could give three months' notice to leave the customs union.

Brexit Withdrawal Agreement: Vara questions PM on the Northern Ireland backstop

26th November 2018

Following the Prime Minister’s statement on the negotiations to leave the European Union, Shailesh Vara asks the PM about the implementation of the backstop if an extended implementation period expired without us reaching an agreement with the EU.

Vara pays tribute to local newspapers and urges Johnston Press creditors to do as much as possible to help those who lose their jobs

19th November 2018

Following the Government statement on Johnston Press going into administration and its subsequent acquisition by a new consortium of its creditors, JPI Media, Shailesh Vara pays tribute to the Hunts Post and Peterborough Telegraph and urges the Government to ensure that the new consortium do more than the statutory minimum to help those who will lose their jobs.

Northern Ireland Questions

31st October 2018

Shailesh Vara answers MPs’ questions to the Northern Ireland Office.

Shailesh Vara responds to debate on the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Bill

24th October 2018

Shailesh Vara responds to a debate on emergency legislation to enable civil servants to continue to run public services in the absence of a functioning Northern Ireland Assembly.

Northern Ireland Questions

5th September 2018

Shailesh Vara answers MPs’ questions on his Northern Ireland Office ministerial portfolio.