Brokenshire gives NI 24 hours before deciding next move

Secretary of State James Brokenshire has given Northern Ireland’s political leaders another 24 hours before he decides his next move, amid the ongoing impasse at Stormont.

Hopes of a deal before Monday’s deadline were dashed when the DUP asked Mr Brokenshire to go ahead and legislate for a budget – as he had warned he would.

However, late on Monday evening, the NI Secretary issued a statement.

“The parties have made further progress during the course of today,” it read.

“They are making certain additional requests of the UK Government which we need to consider.

“In the light of this, I believe it is right to defer the assessment on whether to introduce legislation to Parliament this week to enable an Executive to be formed.”

Mr Brokenshire added: “The parties will recommence talks in the morning and I will reassess the position tomorrow night.”