UK minister warns he may impose Stormont budget if Executive fails to agree

Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant has warned he may impose a budget on Stormont if the devolved Executive fails to agree one, stating political leaders must "live within our means." Bryant made the remarks after informing party leaders on Thursday that no further Treasury funding would be offered beyond the existing package, which includes £450 million for 2026/27 and £400 million for the following two years, plus transformation and social housing funds. Stormont departments have operated without a budget since the financial year began, spending up to 95% of last year's funding. Bryant acknowledged a UK minister setting a regional budget would be "completely unheard of" but said he must consider every eventuality.