Breakthrough in Northern Ireland as Stormont parties agree deal on welfare reform
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness tweeted: ‘A step change in negotiations!!’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A deal on welfare reform which would help unlock Northern Ireland’s political impasse over public spending has been agreed by the parties in Belfast. It is now up to David Cameron to respond to the proposals, part of wider talks involving issues left unresolved from the peace process.
The power-sharing administration at Stormont faces £200m cuts to its budget unless measures imposed by Westminster to reduce the benefits bill are introduced in Northern Ireland. Teachers, students and the health service could be badly affected, unions and business leaders have said.
Following 10 weeks of discussions, Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan struck an optimistic note.
Mr McGuinness tweeted: “A step change in negotiations!! Our team focused but more to do.” Mr Flanagan said: “Substantial progress has been made over the past 24 hours. Intensive engagement continues.”
Republicans adamantly opposed benefits changes which they claimed targeted the most vulnerable.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments