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<p>This Government understands the concept of parity of esteem, as set out in the
1998 Belfast Agreement, as placing a general obligation on the UK Government to treat
people of different traditions in Northern Ireland fairly and with equal respect.
In the Agreement it is clearly expressed and defined in relation to people living
in Northern Ireland.</p><p>As a general obligation there is no definition of particular
circumstances in which it does or does not apply.</p><p> </p><p>As I have set out
in previous replies to the Noble Lord, this Government is firm in its commitment to
the protection of people against any form of discrimination, and the promotion of
opportunity for all, across the whole of our United Kingdom.</p><p> </p><p>In respect
of the Noble Lord’s question about those who might march wearing army uniforms but
who are not members of an army, the concept of parity of esteem clearly does not absolve
people from upholding the law. This Government has made clear many times that we will
never accept any form of equivalence between members of the security forces and those
who engage in terrorism or other forms of paramilitary activity.</p><p> </p><p><strong>
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