PM ‘understands the urgency for business’ – but still no Northern Ireland grants

Jeffrey Donaldson was speaking to the News Letter today following an afternoon meeting with the Prime Minister, who had assured him that the Treasury’s aid packages “should apply across the UK”.

Sir Jeffrey also said that “on a human level” Mr Johnson appears to be a man who is “taking control of the situation”.

He was speaking as further aid measures were announced by chancellor Rishi Sunak.

However Colin Neill of Hospitality Ulster, representing the Province’s hotels, pubs and restaurants, said some of the aid which had been announced earlier in the week “hasn’t got here yet”.

For example, at time of writing on Friday the Northern Irish government-run website www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk continued to say that information about two grant schemes, unveiled by chancellor Rishi Sunak on Tuesday, “is due to be announced soon”.

They are for £10,000 for businesses which are eligible for the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme, and £25,000 for hospitality firms with rateable values between £15,000 and £51,000.

Sir Jeffrey, Lagan Valley MP and party leader in Westminster, said “discussions are continuing between the NI Executive and the Treasury to put in place all of these arrangements”.

He told the News Letter: “On a human level I found the Prime Minister to be very much in control of the situation... taking on board the issues and concerns I had raised.

“I think he’s responsive to those concerns. He recognises the urgency of the situation.

“I found him to be very measured, and the sense I got was of someone who is taking control of the situation at the top of government.”

He added: “People like myself and Ian Blackford, the SNP leader, are not returning home this weekend to avoid the risk of bringing any infection back with us. Obviously travelling on aircraft heightens that risk.

“I’m here in London to attend further meetings over the weekend, and we’ll continue to ensure Northern Ireland’s voice is heard at the heart of government.”

Mr Neill said: “At this stage there’s no help. It’s on its way but hasn’t got here yet.

“It needs to flow straight away. This is an emergency. I appreciate government machinery, but you need to stick the rule book in the drawer.”

He stressed workers need cash immediately, adding: “Try to ring flipping social security and see how long you have to hang on. You’d need a charger for your battery.”

He is aware of one out-of-work employee who was told their benefits application will not be dealt with until April 11.

He also said the large-scale loans for firms, also announced by the government on Tuesday alongside the grants, are “useless” asking: “Why would you take on more debt?”