Brokenshire To Make Statement In House Of Commons

NI Secretary of State James Brokenshire is to make a statement in the House of Commons later today, 28 March, after political parties failed to reach an agreement on forming a new power-sharing Executive.

Mr Brokenshire said there is now a window of "a short few weeks in order to resolve matters".

He said: "The reason I say that is because of the stark issue in relation to public services here in Northern Ireland and the lack of a budget having been set, and therefore it is the impact on public services on having an extended period that is very much at the forefront of my mind in terms of the responsibilities that we have as the UK Government to provide that assurance to the public here."

If an agreement is not made a second election may take place or direct rule.

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood met with the Mr Brokenshire following the collapse of all-party talks.

He said: "Over the course of the last few weeks we reached common ground on a number of key issues and closed gaps on others. Even on issues which seemed intractable, like Brexit, significant progress was possible. We must all seek to occupy and expand that common ground, not see it scorched.

"What's needed now is a new structured dialogue to take the place of the shapeless process that has concluded. A new process should take place with an independent chair not only facilitating proceedings but driving the dialogue forward.

"We are facing an immediate budgetary crisis. We are days away from the triggering of Article 50. The political impotence cannot continue while the people we represent suffer as a result. All parties must come back to the table. A resolution is possible."

(CD/JP)