Minister insists direct rule for Northern Ireland ‘100% not on agenda’

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris insisted a return to direct rule from London is “100%” not on his agenda.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, outside the Northern Ireland Office at Erskine House, Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

The UK Government has dismissed pursuing direct rule for Northern Ireland as MPs prepared to extend the deadline for holding a new Assembly election.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris expressed his “profound disappointment” at the failure to re-establish a functioning Assembly and Executive at Stormont, adding it remains his “top priority”.