Northern Ireland Office

Acknowledges that even members of the Finance Minister's party are now opposed to the budget he produced.

Expresses concerns about the flawed programme design of the local growth fund, which is inaccessible and unresponsive to local realities. Urges the Secretary of State to explain why his Department has failed to engage with the community sector properly and reform the programme.

Points out that if spending allocations were based on need, the Executive would be entitled to receive between £1 billion and £3.5 billion extra, highlighting a part of the budget problem.

Acknowledges that the high health spending figure reflects the actual need on the ground due to disability and poverty levels in Northern Ireland.

Raises concerns about funding issues faced by both the PSNI and ICRIR, which impact their ability to provide evidence and support to families waiting for information regarding legacy cases.

Critiqued the failure of the Northern Ireland Executive to agree a budget, attributing it to political influences and Sinn Féin's control over the Department of Finance. He emphasised that Sinn Féin prioritises political campaigning over governing effectively. Mentioned parties' responsibilities during the restoration of devolution and criticised the expectation for financial bailouts. Highlighted the inadequacy in policing funding due to the devolved system, advocating for a return to direct rule from Westminster regarding policing and justice. Criticised the government's failure to protect the UK internal market and the unequal support given to inter-UK trade versus all-Ireland trade initiatives.

Ms Murray congratulates her colleague on securing the debate and draws attention to the recurring question about whether Northern Ireland Executive have been given sufficient funding. She highlights that the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council concludes that funding at around 124% of comparable spending in England is appropriate, and the Executive will receive an average of £19.3 billion a year over the spending review period. However, she emphasises that funding alone is not enough if public services cannot plan due to delays in decision-making by the Executive. She mentions significant delays in agreeing budgets which impact hospitals, schools, police services, and cause financial uncertainty for staff. Additionally, Ms Murray points out that without a budget agreement this year, there have been manual calculations to ensure people are paid above the national minimum wage, indicating inefficiencies. Finally, she asks what discussions the Minister is having with the Executive regarding the agreement of a multi-year budget.

Thanked the Chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee for her work and expressed concern over the lack of a budget in Northern Ireland. He emphasised that not having a budget affects everyone, including Sinn Féin voters. Acknowledged difficulties in agreeing budgets due to competing priorities but highlighted his own experience managing budget reductions through consultation. Stressed that Northern Ireland has been underfunded historically and argued for conditional funding based on reform commitments. Raised concerns about the allocation of funds towards specific inquiries while other families receive less attention, and questioned the status of a £10 million commitment to improve trade routes across the Irish Sea.

Ms. Craft highlighted the financial situation in Northern Ireland, focusing on the impact it has had on vulnerable individuals housed at Muckamore Abbey hospital. She declared her interest as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on learning disability and discussed the horrific mistreatment found in an inquiry report. The report detailed serious abuses such as neglect, poor care, over-medication leading to 'zombification', and systemic bullying by staff. Ms. Craft called for a transformation in social care based on £185 million set aside for public service transformation, hoping that it would address the suffering experienced at Muckamore Abbey.

Mr. Kohler addressed the 2026-27 main estimate for the Northern Ireland Office, noting a slight decrease in real spending power despite a massive deficit due to overspending by £400 million in the last financial year. He highlighted issues in policing funding and trade consequences of Brexit, stressing that 56% of people voted to remain, facing disrupted supply chains and barriers to trade post-Brexit. Mr. Kohler also pointed out shortcomings in the implementation of the Windsor framework and criticised the lack of data on asylum claims in Northern Ireland by the Home Office.

Congratulates the Chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee for securing the debate, emphasises that the situation in Northern Ireland is dire due to financial uncertainty, questions the Government on their plan if no agreement is reached with the Executive by summer. Discusses the impact of the proposed Troubles Bill on public services and raises concerns about the lack of additional resources despite increased caseloads. Inquires about discussions between the Secretary of State and Andy Burnham regarding future legislation. Advocates for the Northern Ireland Executive to raise revenue and deliver services more efficiently.

Congratulates the Chair of the Select Committee, acknowledges the funding settlement provided by the Chancellor for Northern Ireland, discusses the need for an agreed budget and highlights concerns over funding pressures and transformation in public services. He emphasises the importance of understanding the nature of financial pressures and the necessity for a long-term plan to address them. Benn also mentions the additional investment in city and growth deals, defence growth deal, enhanced investment zone, local growth fund, and PSNI funding. He stresses that while financial support is available, it is up to the Northern Ireland Executive to decide how to allocate funds.

Thanked the Secretary of State and the Under-Secretary of State for their engagement with the Committee. Acknowledged the challenges faced by the Secretary of State but emphasised the need to provide proper scrutiny to improve Northern Ireland's financial situation. Paid tribute to Jen Craft for discussing the Muckamore Abbey hospital review, stressing that care is provided across the House and especially in Northern Ireland.