Brown to provide details on financing for NI policing

DAN KEENAN Northern News Editor

BRITISH PRIME minister Gordon Brown is to put written proposals on the financial backing for devolution of policing and justice to Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness. The First Minister and Deputy First Minister held their sixth recent meeting at Downing Street with Mr Brown on the issue.

The four-hour talks ended at midnight on Thursday, concluding a period of intensive discussions in the US, Stormont and London.

Mr McGuinness said the talks had made “massive progress” and he forecast he would recommend the written offer to his Sinn Féin colleagues for acceptance.

Mr Robinson was more cautious, saying he would consult his DUP party colleagues, many of whom are wary of devolving policing and justice powers. He is also to talk to other party leaders and senior justice figures.

“We are hundreds of millions of pounds better off in our police and justice budget today than we were in New York,” he said.