To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to strengthen ties between Northern Ireland and the rest of Great Britain. (185672)

The constitutional position of Northern Ireland is set out in the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Following the Belfast Agreement the British-Irish Council was established to promote positive, practical relationships among its Members: the British and Irish Governments, the devolved Administrations of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. The British-Irish Council offers a forum for members to discuss, consult and reach agreement on co-operation on matters of mutual interest within the competence of the relevant Administrations.