Debate contribution: Budget: Executive Failure

Debate contribution by Mr Matthew O'Toole on 1 June 2026.

MLA: Mr Matthew O'Toole
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 1 June 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Budget: Executive Failure
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5581343

Text

Minister, I will always challenge the British Government, but I also challenge you, because that is my job and that of the Opposition. If, as we heard today, small business rate relief money cannot be spent; if, as the deputy First Minister said recently, support for integration, community relations and race relations cannot be disbursed; and if, as the Communities Minister said, money cannot be disbursed to support people in housing need who are suffering domestic violence, it is my job to challenge you and your colleagues on the absence of a Budget and the consequences for the people here. London is in complete chaos, as your colleagues have outlined, and there is no functioning British Government. Are we genuinely, seriously saying that, until the chaotic, shambolic and utterly leaderless Starmer Government return your calls, the public of the North will have to put up with a 5% cut?

149 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Topical question AQT 2391/22-27.

Assessment

Not analysed

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