Politics

Budget 2017 Live: Tories promise £650 million more for Stormont Executive

Chancellor Philip Hammond holding his red ministerial box outside 11 Downing Street, London, before heading to the House of Commons to deliver his Budget 
Chancellor Philip Hammond holding his red ministerial box outside 11 Downing Street, London, before heading to the House of Commons to deliver his Budget  Chancellor Philip Hammond holding his red ministerial box outside 11 Downing Street, London, before heading to the House of Commons to deliver his Budget 

British Chancellor Philip Hammond has pledged an extra £650 million "for a Northern Ireland Executive" in his Budget speech.

But despite tight finances, the Chancellor bowed to pressure over Universal Credit with a £1.5 billion package to cut the waiting period for payments and to make it easier for claimants to receive an advance.

On Brexit, the Chancellor said negotiations with Brussels were entering a "critical phase" as he promised to meet the challenges facing the economy "head on".

He said early progress in trade talks would be "one of the biggest boosts we can provide to businesses and families".