Benn will highlight funding issues and urge Northern Ireland’s leaders to make tough decisions for public service improvements.
Benn will challenge local ministers to make tough decisions for health service changes. The devolved government returned after a two-year suspension due to political disagreements.
Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill is the first nationalist First Minister. The DUP’s Emma Little-Pengelly is the deputy First Minister. They have been in office for a year now.
The coalition is asking the UK Government for more funding to help public services, especially health. Benn will congratulate the leaders on their start but stress the need for change.
He’ll outline three main challenges: reforming public services, ensuring smooth trade across the UK, and promoting long-term economic growth. He often hears that more funding is needed, but he disagrees.
Benn argues that the real issue is the failure to reform the system. He points out missed chances to make decisions and learn from other UK regions. Sometimes, there was no Executive to make decisions, and other times, ministers couldn’t agree.
He wants the UK Government to support Northern Ireland and encourage collaboration. Benn will affirm the UK’s commitment to Northern Ireland’s place in the union, as long as the people want it.
He’ll commend DUP leaders for their role in restoring the Executive. Benn is dedicated to working in good faith to support devolution and ensure Northern Ireland benefits from UK initiatives.
He aims to help Northern Ireland grow economically and transition to greener practices. Benn will work with the Executive on infrastructure and investment strategies to benefit the entire UK.
