Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill

The hon. Gentleman will have recognised the words that he has quoted—I have been in this House for some 28 years, and I have seen them dozens of times. The Secretary of State cannot use the powers in the Bill to take powers that go well beyond the scope of the legislation. The hon. Gentleman is arguing that the consequential powers allow the Secretary of State to do whatever he wants, provided that it falls loosely under the heading of policing of justice. Of course, the Secretary of State cannot do that, and the approach must be consistent with the scope of the legislation.