Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA has said the Secretary of State must extend Thursday's deadline for the Executive to agree a three year budget, and has written to him setting out the case.

Jon Burrows MLA said:

“I have written to the Secretary of State today asking him to defer Thursday's budget deadline by a short, defined period.

“Northern Ireland urgently needs a balanced three-year budget, and this is not a request to let that process drift. But the Secretary of State has asked party leaders to agree a way forward together. Given the strain on political relationships since the weekend, a considered response by Thursday looks unlikely.

“A short extension would allow leaders to address the immediate situation, consult properly and return to the budget with the seriousness it deserves.

“Our position on Garvaghy Road is unchanged: anyone who broke the law must face consequences. We also need to find a resolution to this dispute for the long term. We can hold people to account while delivering for patients, pupils and public sector workers. They rely on us to work for them, and we intend to do both.”