The cabinet minister said he had heard the “sincere concerns” across the region about the impact and cost of a new poll at this time. He said he would outline his next steps in Parliament next week. There was speculation that the vote would be held on December 15. Mr Heaton-Harris is legally bound to call an election within 12 weeks of October 28, when the deadline for Northern Ireland’s parties to form a new power-sharing body expired. The UK government could amend legislation in Westminster that would either extend or remove the time limit to give more time to break the deadlock at Stormont. A DUP boycott of devolved institutions in protest at Brexit’s Northern Ireland Protocol (NIP) has prevented the formation of a government in the wake of May’s election. In a statement, Mr Heaton-Harris said: “At midnight on October 28, I was tasked with calling an election for the House of Commons. “Since then, my engagement with political parties has continued. “I have had valuable conversations with people across Northern Ireland, including business and community representatives. “I heard their sincere concerns about the impact and cost of the election at this time.” Read more: Why is there still no assembly and what does Brexit have to do with it? He added: “I can now confirm that there will be no parliamentary elections in December or ahead of the festive season. “Current law requires me to name a date for the election to be held within 12 weeks of October 28 and next week, I will make a statement to parliament to set out my next steps. “My aim, what the people of Northern Ireland deserve, is to restore a strong devolved government. “My task is to create the right environment for parties in Northern Ireland to work together to restore devolved institutions and respond to critical issues affecting the people of Northern Ireland. “I do not take this task lightly, nor do I ignore the very real concerns that people have about the cost of living.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 3:35 What is the Northern Ireland Protocol? Responding to the delay, DUP leader Geoffrey Donaldson tweeted: “We need a sharp focus on finding a solution, either through negotiations or legislation. “There is no solid basis for a fully functioning Stormont until the NIP is replaced with arrangements that unionists can support. Progress on NI has only been made when unionists and nationalists are involved.” Meanwhile, Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle O’Neill accused Mr Heaton-Harris of “more hesitation and indecision”. He said: “The UK government is fueling the political instability caused by the DUP’s failure to recognize the result of the May election when the people voted for change. “This is completely unacceptable at a time when workers, families and small businesses are struggling through the cost of living crisis and a cold winter, and when our health service needs immediate investment.” The protocol was aimed at avoiding a hard border with Ireland, but it created economic barriers to the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, causing resentment and anger among many unionists and loyalists. The DUP has refused to return to Stormont until decisive action is taken on the treaty. The UK government has vowed to secure changes to the deal, either through a negotiated compromise with the EU or through proposed domestic legislation that would allow ministers to scrap the arrangements without Brussels’ approval. Opponents have likened the Northern Ireland Protocol bill to “putting the gun on the table” in talks with the EU aimed at finding a solution and say it breaches international law and risks a trade war.
