UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer held meetings with Northern Ireland party leaders at Stormont on Thursday. Discussions centred on rising home heating oil prices and delays in releasing £81 million for electricity bill reductions. Starmer arrived in Northern Ireland on Wednesday evening and attended a British-Irish event at a Belfast hotel.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill told Starmer that Northern Ireland needs support measures adapted to local reliance on heating oil. She said measures used elsewhere in the UK do not suit conditions here. Around 62.5% of homes in Northern Ireland use oil for heating.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson informed Starmer that the £81 million remains undistributed. The funding covers a £30 annual cut to electricity bills for all households over three years. Robinson said Starmer expressed surprise at the delay.

Alliance leader Naomi Long discussed heating oil price instability with Starmer. She called for immediate actions plus long-term shifts to other fuels. Long said Starmer showed willingness to address the points raised.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald pressed Starmer for steps to lower fuel expenses for households. The talks preceded Starmer's trip to a UK-Ireland summit in Cork. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald stated the £81 million requires changes to the Energy Prices Act 2022 by Westminster, expected before summer recess.

Archibald noted the UK Chancellor set the support as a flat reduction for all consumers, matching arrangements in Great Britain. She said her department stands ready once legislation passes. Starmer said the Treasury will coordinate with the Northern Ireland Executive on heating oil assistance.