Deadline extended for North crisis talks at Stormont

The Northern Ireland Secretary has given Stormont’s divided politicians more time to clinch a deal.

James Brokenshire said he will legislate to give civil servants in the North greater authority to spend money in the absence of a devolved government, but said that critical point had not been reached.

He declined to order a new election or impose direct rule from Westminster, as yet another deadline for the five parties to reach agreement fell by the wayside last Thursday.