Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant has declared that setting a budget is not his responsibility, insisting the obligation falls squarely on the Northern Ireland Executive.
The statement follows inconclusive negotiations between Executive parties and the Secretary of State. Sir Chris is understood to have outlined a series of conditions—including revenue-raising measures—that would need to be met before any potential budget deal could be finalized at Stormont.
“They really have to take me seriously when I say there is no more money,” Sir Chris warned.
Seven months into the financial year, the Executive has yet to agree on a spending plan. Following a round of one-on-one meetings, First Minister Michelle O’Neill acknowledged there was still “no white smoke” signaling a breakthrough.
Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson expressed cautious skepticism, suggesting the optimism perceived outside the talks was “not matched by the reality inside” the negotiating room.
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