Secretary of State appeals for parties to compromise

CLEAR differences remain between the Stormont parties, the Secretary of State has revealed.

James Brokenshire said a deal to restore powersharing has not been reached despite recent progress.

Mr Brokenshire added: “I want to be in a position to legislate to form an Executive as soon as possible but to do so I would need to be satisfied there is agreement between the parties.

“If this cannot be resolved quickly I will need to legislate for a budget for Northern Ireland by the end of this month and consider the next steps.”

HOPEFUL

Mr Brokenshire said he would be reluctant to see more political decisions made at Westminster rather than Belfast.

He added: “Now is the time for the parties to look beyond their differences, harness a spirit of compromise and reach agreement.”

The Secretary of State said greater London intervention would be “a big step backwards, a step I do not want to have to take”.

The Government has made parliamentary time available to reinstate Stormont next week should a deal be clinched.

Leader of the House of Commons Andrea Leadsom said she was “hopeful” of good news.

CALL James Brokenshire