Emergency Powers Act (Northern Ireland) 1926 facts for kids
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| Long title | Act to make provision for the protection of the community in Northern Ireland in cases of emergency. |
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| Citation | 16 & 17 Geo. 5 c. 8 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 6 May 1926 |
| Commencement | Immediate |
| Other legislation | |
| Amended by | 1964 |
| Repealed by | Civil Contingencies Act 2004 |
| Relates to | Emergency Powers Act 1920 |
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Status: Repealed
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The Emergency Powers Act (Northern Ireland) 1926 was a special law made by the Parliament of Northern Ireland. It was created to help protect people in Northern Ireland during serious emergencies. This law gave the government extra powers to make sure everyone had important things like food, water, and fuel if normal supplies were stopped.
Contents
What Was the Emergency Powers Act?
This Act was a type of law that allowed the government to act quickly in a crisis. It was designed to keep the community safe and make sure essential services continued. The law gave special authority to the Governor of Northern Ireland, who was like the Queen's representative in the region.
When Could Emergency Powers Be Used?
The Governor of Northern Ireland could declare an emergency if they believed a big problem was happening or about to happen. This problem had to be serious enough to stop people from getting basic necessities. For example, if actions by a group of people threatened to cut off food, water, fuel, or transport for many people.
Once an emergency was declared, it would stay in place until the Governor decided to end it.
What Rules Could Be Made?
During an emergency, the Governor could make special rules called 'regulations'. These rules were designed to help keep the 'essentials of life' flowing to the community. They also gave powers to government ministers to make sure people had what they needed.
These regulations had to be shown to Parliament very quickly. The law also said that these special rules could not be used to stop people from going on strike peacefully. Also, they could not take away a person's right to a fair trial. If someone broke these emergency rules, they could face up to three months in prison or a fine. They could also lose any goods or money involved in the offense.
The Act was later updated in 1964 by the Emergency Powers (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland).
How the Act Was Used in 1974
The Emergency Powers Act was used in real life on 19 May 1974. At that time, Merlyn Rees was the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. He declared a State of Emergency because of a big strike called the Ulster Workers' Council strike. This strike caused major problems with essential services. The strike eventually led to the end of a political agreement known as the Sunningdale Agreement.
The Act Comes to an End
The Emergency Powers Act (Northern Ireland) 1926 was eventually replaced. A new law, called the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, took its place. This new Act now handles emergencies across the United Kingdom.
See Also
- Emergency Powers Act 1920
 | James Van Der Zee |
 | Alma Thomas |
 | Ellis Wilson |
 | Margaret Taylor-Burroughs |
