No NI Election Before April 2023

No election will be held in Northern Ireland before April 2023, the UK government has confirmed, as they extend the deadline for the formation of the Executive and "appropriately" reduce MLA's pay.

In a statement to the Commons, Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris announced: 'at least' a six week extension for the formation of an Executive; a reduction in MLA's pay, by approximately a third according to some reports; more powers for civil servants to address a £660m budget deficit.

Speaking to MP's, Mr Heaton-Harris said: "The vast majority of those I have spoken to think that an election at this time would be unwelcome.

"So, as has been done before, the legislation I introduce will also enable Northern Ireland departments to support public service delivery; make a small number of vital public appointments, like to the Northern Ireland Policing Board; and address the serious budgetary issues mentioned already."

Addressing public frustration with MLAs continuing to be paid despite there not being an Executive, Mr Heaton-Harris said: "I will thus be asking for the House's support to enable me to reduce MLAs' salaries appropriately."

Responding to Mr Heaton-Harris' statement, DUP South Belfast MLA Edwin Poots said that the Secretary of State is free to take whatever action he sees fit but the NIO must recognise that until the Protocol is replaced with arrangements that unionists can support there will be no basis to restore devolution.

Mr Poots said: "Our opposition to the Protocol is not dependent on salaries. The sooner the Government deals with the Protocol, the sooner Stormont can be restored.

"The Protocol is not acceptable to unionists and until it is replaced with arrangements that unionists can support, there will be no basis for progress.

"It is a matter for the Secretary of State if he wishes to call an election and what legislation he wishes to introduce. We are ready to renew and strengthen our mandate. Elections are the bedrock of democracy and unlike others we will readily take our case to the electorate."