The prime minister is holding talks at No 10 with the leaders of Northern Ireland’s political parties in a bid to break the deadlock on issues hanging over from the peace process.
David Cameron is hosting the meeting which is also involves the first ministers of Scotland and Wales. Those attending include first minister of Northern Ireland, Peter Robinson, and deputy first minister, Martin McGuinness.
Last week the Northern Irish parties rejected an offer from the government of a deal that would allow the devolved administration in Belfast to spend up to £1bn.
The unionist and nationalist parties cannot agree on a number of post-peace process issues such as controversial Orange Order marches, the flying of the union flag at Belfast City Hall and how to deal with the legacy of the Troubles.
Monday’s Downing Street meeting comes ahead of a fresh resumption of all-party talks back in Belfast on Tuesday.
Theresa Villiers, the Northern Ireland secretary, has called on the parties to secure an agreement before Christmas. The secretary of state has also warned that a government offer to the power-sharing executive at Stormont to allow the parties to set a lower corporation tax for the region is in danger if the discussions fail.
The devolved government will only be allowed to set a regional corporation tax if they can reach an overarching agreement on parades, flags and the past.
These three key issues have been politically toxic and in the case of contentious marches and the flag issue, have resulted in violent street disorder mainly in greater Belfast over the last three years.
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