Boundary Commission Publishes Revised Proposals

Boundary Commission Publishes Revised Proposals and Commences Third Consultation Period

Shannon Responds To Boundary Commission Proposals

Strangford MP Jim Shannon has considered the changes being proposed by the Boundary Commission.

He said: “We have been made aware of the new publication for the boundary guidelines within Northern Ireland.

“DUP Spokespersons have made it clear that regardless of our constituency boundaries, our clear focus and main priorities will continue to remain on making Northern Ireland work for everyone.

“Furthermore, to this matter, we must have the Northern Ireland Protocol replaced with arrangements that Unionists can and will support.”

He said the proposed new boundaries for Strangford would “bring about major change for both the constituency and in particular, people living in the Saintfield and Moneyreagh areas.

“While I would without a doubt welcome anyone coming into the constituency and would work hard along with my DUP colleagues for our new constituents, it would be disappointing to see these two areas move outside of the constituency.

“Moneyreagh has been an integral part of the constituency for many years and has strong connections with Newtownards and the rest of Strangford.

“Similarly, it would seem strange to detach Saintfield from the rest of the Rowallane electoral area and cut its electoral ties with both Ballynahinch and Killyleagh, their normal hinterland.

“I appreciate the job that the Boundary Commission must do and the constraints that they operate under.

“However, it would be a very sad day to no longer be able to serve the people of Moneyreagh and Saintfield, to which it has been an absolute privilege.”

Revised Proposals By Boundary Commission

The Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland (BCNI), an impartial body, has today published revised proposals for Parliamentary constituencies in Northern Ireland and commenced the third consultation stage of the 2023 Boundary Review.

In line with the legislation, the third consultation stage lasts for four weeks, and will close on 15th December 2022.

Having considered the written representations received during the initial and secondary consultation stages, and the records of the public hearings, the Commission has revised its initial proposals.

Written representations with respect to the revised proposals can be made during the third consultation stage, as well as written representations with respect to representations made during the public hearings.

Commenting on the proposal publication, Deputy Chairman Mr Justice Michael Humphreys said: “Following two previous periods of consultation, the Commission has considered the representations made to it, and revised its initial proposals.

“The Commission is grateful to all those who made representations during the initial and secondary consultation periods.

“We encourage everyone with an interest to consider the revised proposals and share their views, whether to support the proposals, or to suggest alternatives which also take into account the requirements of the legislation.”

Written representations must be received by the Commission by 15^th December 2022 and can be submitted using the online portal, by email, or by post.

These representations will be published online after the end of the third consultation stage. The Commission must submit its final recommendations to the Speaker of the House of Commons by 1^st July 2023.

The Revised Proposals, accompanying resources and more details about the 2023 Boundary Review process are available on the Commission’s website at:

www.boundarycommission.org.uk/2023-review-parliamentary-constituencies

Of the 18 constituencies in Northern Ireland, , ten remain the same as in the Initial Proposals and eight have been revised. The eight constituencies which have been revised are:

• Fermanagh & South Tyrone
• Foyle
• Lagan Valley
• Mid Ulster
• South Down
• Strangford
• Upper Bann
• West Tyrone