Hilary Benn leaves NI job with no own goals but much unfinished business

Hilary Benn’s departure from government has come as somewhat unexpected, especially considering he had recently begun negotiations with Stormont parties and treasury officials aimed at securing a multi-year budget agreement after months of deadlock. The responsibility of concluding these discussions now falls to his successor.

Shortly after the 2024 general election results, Benn made his first visit as secretary of state to Belfast, choosing St George’s Market as his initial stop. The market traders welcomed him warmly, presenting him with a piece of artwork featuring brightly colored carrots. While some may have seen this as a hopeful sign of improved relations with Northern Ireland compared to previous Conservative administrations, it was more likely connected to Benn’s long-standing vegetarian lifestyle. Nevertheless, the gesture raised questions about his plans after 14 years of Conservatives in the role.

Benn’s efforts to build cooperation with the Stormont parties soon faced challenges as disputes over executive funding re-emerged. In a speech at Ulster University several months into his tenure, Benn suggested that if the executive wished to enhance public services, it should consider exploring methods of revenue generation rather than depending solely on Treasury support. Despite this, his appeal followed a familiar pattern, with the executive parties insisting that Northern Ireland was receiving insufficient financial support. On more than one occasion, Westminster intervened to address budget shortfalls.

The financial impasse highlighted ongoing tensions, with Benn unable to persuade the executive parties to shift their stance on funding. As a result, the complex task of navigating Northern Ireland’s budgetary issues continues, now in the hands of the new secretary of state who must pick up where Benn left off

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