Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows has asked Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant to extend the deadline for the Executive to agree a three-year budget, currently set for Thursday. Mr Burrows confirmed on Monday that he wrote to the Secretary of State requesting a short, defined postponement.

The request comes as Executive parties face pressure to finalise a budget following a UK Government funding offer of more than £1.5 billion, which includes £1.25 billion over three years, £150 million for transforming public services, £100 million for social housing and £75 million to tackle benefit fraud and error.

Mr Burrows said the request should not be seen as an attempt to let the budget process drift. He noted that Northern Ireland urgently needs a balanced three-year budget, but given the strain on political relationships since the weekend, a considered response by Thursday appears unlikely.

The UUP leader linked the political tensions to events surrounding the Garvaghy Road dispute at the weekend. He said his party's position is unchanged: anyone who broke the law must face consequences. He also said leaders need to find a long-term resolution to the dispute, and that they can hold people to account while still delivering for patients, pupils and public sector workers.

Mr Burrows argued that a short extension would allow leaders to address the immediate situation, consult properly and return to the budget with the seriousness it deserves.

The Secretary of State has urged Executive parties to reach agreement urgently, citing uncertainty for departments planning spending across health, education and other public services. The decision now rests with Sir Chris Bryant on whether to maintain Thursday's deadline or grant the extension.