Tories back N.Ireland policing plan

By politics.co.uk staff

The Conservatives have welcomed the policing and justice devolution deal announced by Gordon Brown yesterday.
 
It had been reported first minister Peter Robinson met with David Cameron yesterday in a bid to “Tory-proof” the agreement reached yesterday against its rejection by a new Conservative government.
 
But the Tories have now made clear they will not oppose the deal.
 
The budget, which among other measures will see the Treasury make £37.4 million available in reserve funds and allocates £20 million for legal aid in the province, was described by the prime minister as “a very strong settlement”.
 
It follows days of talks between Mr Robinson, deputy first minister Martin McGuinness and Mr Brown. The two party leaders must now seek backing for the deal from their respective parties.