NI Emergency Powers Review
The Northern Ireland Executive and UK government (in consultation with the Irish government where necessary) should review the structures and delegated powers of government in Northern Ireland to consider: the empowerment of the First Minister and deputy First Minister jointly to direct the work of other ministers and departments during an emergency; the empowerment of the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service in relation to the allocation of civil servants to departments or to civil contingency structures during an emergency; and how decisions that would usually be subject to ministerial approval would be taken should an emergency occur during the suspension of power-sharing arrangements.
- The UK government stated in its Module 2 response (25 March 2026) that it believes the Northern Ireland Executive and parties should consider how necessary changes should be made (UK Government Response to the Covid-19 Inquiry Module 2 Report, CP 1534, 25 March 2026).
- The response notes the Assembly and Executive Review Committee is currently considering whether the institutions require wider reform.
- The UK government stated it will stand ready to discuss proposals for changes to the Strand One institutions.
- No specific legislative or structural changes have been announced.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Under Consideration
Response
Under ConsiderationWe remain steadfastly committed to supporting devolution in Northern Ireland and to learning the lessons from the Inquiry, both to protect citizens and to help prepare us for the future.
The Module 2 report has clearly shown that improvements are required of all governments, including the Northern Ireland Executive, in how they respond to future crises. While we acknowledge that power-sharing has its challenges, we are clear that all governments must work in the best interests of everyone across the UK.
The UK Government notes the findings of the Inquiry that the Northern Ireland Executive's decision-making in response to the Covid-19 emergency was not as effective as it should have been. It is vital that ahead of any future crisis, appropriate arrangements are in place.
We understand the Northern Ireland Executive is considering how to respond to any future emergency. Given the Inquiry's findings, we believe that the Northern Ireland Executive and the Northern Ireland parties themselves should consider how any necessary changes should be made.
The Assembly and Executive Review Committee is currently considering whether the institutions require any wider reform. Our hope is that all parties will engage with it in good faith and closely consider its recommendations.
The UK Government will always stand ready to discuss any proposals for changes to the Strand One institutions which could attract the widest possible support and to help with their implementation on matters which may be reserved or excepted under the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
We maintain close and ongoing relations with the Irish Government as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement and will liaise with them on any matter that may require their consultation.
No formal response published by this government.
We remain steadfastly committed to supporting devolution in Northern Ireland and to learning the lessons from the Inquiry, both to protect citizens and to help prepare us for the future.
The Module 2 report has clearly shown that improvements are required of all governments, including the Northern Ireland Executive, in how they respond to future crises. While we acknowledge that power-sharing has its challenges, we are clear that all governments must work in the best interests of everyone across the UK.
The UK Government notes the findings of the Inquiry that the Northern Ireland Executive's decision-making in response to the Covid-19 emergency was not as effective as it should have been. It is vital that ahead of any future crisis, appropriate arrangements are in place.
We understand the Northern Ireland Executive is considering how to respond to any future emergency. Given the Inquiry's findings, we believe that the Northern Ireland Executive and the Northern Ireland parties themselves should consider how any necessary changes should be made.
The Assembly and Executive Review Committee is currently considering whether the institutions require any wider reform. Our hope is that all parties will engage with it in good faith and closely consider its recommendations.
The UK Government will always stand ready to discuss any proposals for changes to the Strand One institutions which could attract the widest possible support and to help with their implementation on matters which may be reserved or excepted under the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
We maintain close and ongoing relations with the Irish Government as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement and will liaise with them on any matter that may require their consultation.
Progress Timeline
Status: Pending. No government response yet received. Module 2 report published 20 November 2025.