Northern Ireland ministers warn UK budget talks are heading toward no-deal

Sir Chris informed Stormont leaders that the financial offer to the power-sharing Executive will remain unchanged and urged ministers to respond by next Thursday, hinting he could impose a budget unilaterally. Since the start of the fiscal year, Stormont departments have been running on a temporary allowance of up to 95% of last year's funding. Paul Givan criticised the UK Secretary of State's ultimatum, calling it an "almost take it or leave it" approach that could lead to a no-deal situation.

He argued that Northern Ireland should receive funding treatment comparable to Wales and Scotland, referencing their more generous formulas. One outlet proposal, first written on September 10, includes £450 million for 2026/27, £400 million for the next two years, plus £50 million annually for public-service transformation and capital housing funding, subject to conditions. Additional measures allow the Executive to retain half of savings from welfare fraud and error, while broader Stormont reform discussions remain separate from the budget talks.