Money 'Not Agreed' For Policing Transfer

Financing for the devolution of policing and justice powers to Stormont has yet to be agreed, the First Minister has said.

Peter Robinson had a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister Gordon Brown yesterday, after planned talks in London were deferred until next week.

Mr Robinson (pictured) said "no agreement" has been reached on the funding required to set-up the remaining institutions, which will see a local minister take responsibility for policing, prison, security and legal matters.

The DUP First Minister is resolute that no further progress can be made until figures are proposed.

"The Prime Minister hasn't put any proposal on the table as yet, nor has the Treasury," he said.

"We haven't even settled the figures between ourselves and the Treasury as yet. So there is still some room for agreement to be reached."

According to Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, the impending talks between his Stormont colleagues and 10 Downing Street are critical.

"I am at a place now where I think it is 'make your mind up time' for everybody, including Gordon Brown," he said.

There was confusion when Mr McGuinness met with the Prime Minister in London on Tuesday without the First Minister.

It is believed Mr Robinson was dealing with party ministerial business in the Speaker's Stormont office.

A meeting between Mr Robinson and Mr Brown planned for yesterday was not possible, and will now take place next week in Westminster.

See: Robinson's No 10 Policing Talks Deferred

(PR/BMcC)