Stormont leaders tell PM that budget was a 'missed opportunity' for Northern Ireland

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom received criticism from the leaders of the Stormont Executive, who described the recent chancellor's budget as "a missed opportunity" for Northern Ireland. The comments were made during the latest British-Irish Council (BIC) meeting held in Cardiff.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly used the meeting to voice concerns about the government's plan, despite the announcement of an additional 370 million allocated to Northern Ireland.

Little-Pengelly said the meeting offered a valuable chance to address the Prime Minister directly after the budget release. She noted, "While there were positive elements, we believe the budget fell short. Economic growth in Northern Ireland, and across the UK, requires fiscal policies that support businesses and employment rather than increasing burdens."

She highlighted specific areas of concern, including a proposed VAT reduction pilot for Northern Ireland, changes to agricultural relief, and other fiscal adjustments that were not implemented.

O'Neill emphasized the struggles faced by households coping with rising living costs. She stated that many families are facing difficulty with food bills and energy expenses, and argued that the government's policies do not align with the immediate needs of people in Northern Ireland.

The Stormont leaders clarified they were not seeking preferential treatment. Taoiseach Michel Martin and Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee also participated, with McEntee meeting Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn for the first time since her recent appointment.

The summit followed Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget announcement, which included the additional 370 million for Northern Ireland. Stormont's Finance Minister John O'Dowd criticized the funding as insufficient, while the Secretary of State noted that the Northern Ireland Executive could explore its own revenue-raising measures.

O'Neill has indicated plans to challenge the Prime Minister regarding the budget settlement for Northern Ireland, citing government priorities that favor military spending over the needs of struggling households.

The BIC summit also coincides with efforts to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, including the establishment of a commission to investigate past killings, an information recovery body, and a dedicated legacy unit within An Garda Sochna. While some unionist MPs have questioned aspects of the plan, the UK government's legislation has passed its second reading in the House of Commons.

This marks the second BIC summit attended by Prime Minister Starmer since taking office, highlighting the forums role in fostering cooperation among the UK, Ireland, and the devolved administrations. The council, formed under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, brings together eight administrations: the UK, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the governments of the Isle of Man, Guernsey, and Jersey. The summits theme focused on unlocking the potential of creative industries across these islands.

Author: Sophia Brooks