Reform of Northern Ireland's political institutions

Early day motion 120, tabled 18 May 2026 by Sorcha Eastwood (Alliance). Signed by 1 member.

That this House notes that the results of the 7 May elections have demonstrated the depth of public frustration with politics as usual; further notes that at a time of such political and economic instability, the people of Northern Ireland cannot be left without a functioning government to fight their corner; highlights the urgency and need for reform as Northern Ireland's devolved institutions have been without a functioning Executive for almost 40% of the time since devolution began and that mechanisms such as one-party vetoes have entrenched dysfunction and left public services chronically underfunded; recognises that the Northern Ireland Assembly has itself now formally backed the call for institutional reform, but cannot deliver that reform alone; believes that reforming these mechanisms is critical to upholding the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement; recognises that unionists, nationalists and others across Northern Ireland all voted for a government and deserve one; and calls on the UK Government to end the delay and prevarication, convene an urgent process of institutional reform and work with the Irish Government, as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, and all parties to introduce the modest reforms necessary to ensure that the people of Northern Ireland are never again left without a functioning government.

Signatures by party: Alliance 1.