UK appeals to North’s leaders to step back from brink of ‘grave’ situation

The UK government has appealed to Northern Ireland’s political leaders to step back from the brink of the current political crisis.

Northern Ireland secretary James Brokenshire told the Commons the situation at Stormont, following deputy first minister Martin McGuinness’s resignation was “grave” and a snap election was now highly likely.

The departure of Sinn Féin veteran Mr McGuinness amid a row over a green energy scandal forced Democratic Unionist first minister Arlene Foster from office as well.