Northern Ireland budget talks near no-deal as Givan warns of funding shortfall

Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant has issued a budget ultimatum to Stormont, offering £1.5m with "no more money" available, and has given executive parties until next Thursday to respond. Education Minister Paul Givan warned negotiations are entering "no-deal territory," stating the offer cannot fully fund his department alone and falls short of the £1.6bn needed to run the executive this year. He and Finance Minister John O'Dowd argue the core issue is an unfair funding formula compared to Scotland and Wales. Analyst Ann Watt noted the UK government has already increased its offer twice, but the £1.5m over three years remains well short of executive needs, with most funds covering day-to-day public service costs.