2010 to 2015 government policy: Northern Ireland community relations
Updated 8 May 2015
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This is a copy of a document that stated a policy of the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government. The previous URL of this page was https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/bringing-communities-in-northern-ireland-together Current policies can be found at the GOV.UK policies list.
Issue
The overwhelming majority of people in Northern Ireland can lead their lives with a normality and a freedom from fear which would have been impossible during the Troubles. But the process isn’t finished and the stability brought about by the Belfast Agreement should never be taken for granted.
Northern Ireland’s political leaders have expressed their commitment to building a shared and cohesive society in Northern Ireland. There is clearly much to be done, but the recent history of Northern Ireland clearly shows that when local politicians and community leaders engage in dialogue, it is possible to make progress and find workable and practical solutions to long-term problems.
We will carry on working with all those who share our goals to deal with the underlying divisions that must be addressed if we are to build a peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland.
Actions
The devolution settlement means that the Northern Ireland Executive has the powers and responsibilities to carry out much of the work that is needed. However, the UK government will continue to push for progress and support the Northern Ireland Executive in taking the difficult decisions that may be necessary to make progress.
We will support the local leadership in coming forward with bold and imaginative solutions to complete the work that started with the Belfast Agreement and build a genuinely shared future for everyone in Northern Ireland.
The UK government funds the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is an independent public body that is recognised by the UN as a national human rights institution. Its role is to make sure that government and other public bodies protect the human rights of everyone in Northern Ireland.
The Parades Commission for Northern Ireland is an independent, quasi-judicial body. It was set up in 1997. Its powers and duties are set out in the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998.
Background
In the ‘Coalition programme for government’, we made clear our commitment to peace, stability and economic prosperity in Northern Ireland.