MPs approve extension to NI talks deadline

MPs at Westminster have passed a bill delaying the deadline for Northern Ireland parties to reach a deal to restore devolution.
They agreed to a government proposal to extend Stormont’s talks until 29 June during a debate on regional rates which also saw Northern Secretary James Brokenshire indicate a budget for Northern Ireland is a deal is not done.
The draft budget includes a small increase in health spending, but there’s been widespread criticism of a a projected 2.5% cut to the education budget.