Sir Robert Buckland to chair NI Affairs Committee

Sir Robert Buckland said Northern Ireland was a "valued and vital" part of the UK

The Conservative MP Sir Robert Buckland has been elected as the new chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee.

The cross-party Westminster group scrutinises the work of the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) and holds it to account.

Sir Robert is a former government minister who previously held two cabinet positions.

He said he was "thrilled" by his new role and would work to improve policies affecting people in Northern Ireland.

"I am honoured to take on this privilege and at such a critical time for Northern Ireland politically," he added.

"As chair, I will not shy away from the necessary scrutiny required of the Northern Ireland Office, particularly as we see events unfold without a functioning Executive in Stormont."

The position became vacant after a cabinet reshuffle earlier this month.

Simon Hoare, who had chaired the committee since 2019, was appointed to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Who is Sir Robert Buckland?

Sir Robert was a Cabinet member under former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss

Sir Robert, who is from Llanelli in Wales, is a qualified barrister and former Crown Court circuit judge.

He was first elected to parliament in 2010 to represent the South Swindon constituency.

He has held the seat in three subsequent general elections and was given a knighthood in the 2022 New Year Honours list.

His most high-profile role to date was serving as lord chancellor and secretary of state for justice in Boris Johnson's Cabinet from July 2019 to September 2021.

Last year, he spent just over three months in post as secretary of state for Wales, but was replaced when Rishi Sunak became prime minister in October 2022.

Sir Robert was elected as committee chair unopposed and the result was announced in the chamber on Tuesday afternoon.

In a statement. he said: "I will bring to the role experience and knowledge of Northern Ireland's political landscape gained throughout my career.

"Northern Ireland is a valued and vital part of our United Kingdom, with communities and a history for which I have deep respect.

"I will work tirelessly, together with my fellow committee members to provide effective scrutiny and, ultimately, improve the policies affecting the lives of people in Northern Ireland."

What does the NI Affairs Committee do?

The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee examines the administration, spending and policy of the Northern Ireland Office.

It is currently comprised of 10 MPs and mainly works by carrying out inquiries into various issues.

It has the power to call witnesses to give oral evidence.

Sir Robert takes up his position as committee chair with immediate effect and will serve until the end of the current parliament.