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Chris Mason: NI power-sharing affords Rishi Sunak chance for a victory lap Getty Images By Chris Mason Political editor, BBC News Like the two sets of parents at a wedding, the British and Irish prime ministers are in Belfast today. The analogy works, just about, I think, because London and Dublin are co-guarantors of the… Continue reading Chris Mason: NI power-sharing affords Rishi Sunak chance for a victory lap

Rishi Sunak hails ‘special opportunity’ as he starts Northern Ireland visit By Jake Wood BBC News NI The prime minister has hailed a “special opportunity” for Northern Ireland as he began a visit marking the return of power-sharing government. Rishi Sunak said Northern Ireland politicians can now “focus on delivery for families and businesses”. Devolved… Continue reading Rishi Sunak hails ‘special opportunity’ as he starts Northern Ireland visit

Grant Shapps says UK and US strikes on Yemen Houthis ‘not an escalation’ UK Ministry of Defence By Alex Smith BBC News The latest round of strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen are “not an escalation” of the conflict, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has said. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that three sites were hit… Continue reading Grant Shapps says UK and US strikes on Yemen Houthis ‘not an escalation’

Northern Ireland government to be restored two years after collapse Reuters By Brendan Hughes BBC News NI political reporter Northern Ireland’s devolved government is set to be restored – two years to the day since it collapsed. A meeting of the legislative assembly at Stormont in Belfast will be held on Saturday at 13:00 GMT… Continue reading Northern Ireland government to be restored two years after collapse

Stormont: Party leaders to meet ahead of assembly sitting Reuters Party leaders and officials will meet on Friday to discuss the key issues for an incoming Stormont executive. The Northern Ireland Assembly will sit on Saturday, two years exactly since power-sharing collapsed. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said his party would end its boycott, after… Continue reading Stormont: Party leaders to meet ahead of assembly sitting

Stormont: Assembly to sit on Saturday as DUP boycott ends UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor By Jayne McCormack & Finn Purdy BBC News NI The Northern Ireland Assembly is to sit on Saturday after the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) ended its boycott of the power-sharing institutions. The DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson wrote to the Speaker following… Continue reading Stormont: Assembly to sit on Saturday as DUP boycott ends

Council financial crisis ‘out of control’, MPs warn Getty Images By Becky Morton BBC News The financial crisis facing England’s councils is “out of control” with even well-run local authorities at risk of going bust, MPs have warned. A cross-party committee said the government must plug a £4bn funding gap to avoid a “severe impact”… Continue reading Council financial crisis ‘out of control’, MPs warn