Burnham urges Stormont leaders to set budget

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has urged Northern Ireland's leaders to agree on a devolved budget, emphasizing that the UK government cannot be solely responsible for resolving the region's financial issues. Burnham's remarks in the House of Commons came as the Stormont Executive has been unable to establish a budget for the current fiscal year.

Since April, executive departments have been operating without a budget and are currently permitted to spend only up to 95% of the previous year's funding. The devolved administration contends that they cannot formulate a budget for 2026/27 without additional financial assistance from Westminster. The UK government has pledged an extra £1.5 billion (€1.7bn) over the next three years, but Stormont's leaders assert that this sum is insufficient.

In response, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant criticized the "irresponsible" overspending by devolved ministers. First Minister Michelle O'Neill described the current situation as "really dire" and emphasized the region's chronic underfunding compared to Scotland or Wales. She also highlighted that the British government acknowledges the historical underfunding but refuses to provide the necessary funds to operate public services effectively.

O'Neill stated that the winter will be challenging for people, and this is why they are fighting for the right budget. The primary priority for budget negotiations is public sector pay, which must be addressed to ensure the proper compensation of public sector workers. Discussions on the budget remain ongoing. When questioned about the impasse during Prime Minister's Questions, Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann pointed out that his party colleague, UUP Health Minister Robbie Butler, lacks both the financial means and legal authority to fund health and social care workers' recommended pay increase due to the budget deadlock.

This situation could potentially lead to industrial action by health unions in the coming weeks. Burnham responded by sharing that during a recent visit to Northern Ireland, he discovered additional funds despite a difficult financial situation at the UK level. He stressed the importance of all parties in Northern Ireland working together to establish a budget and restore proper functioning to Stormont's administration.