PM in 'regular contact' with PSNI chief over funding shortages

Sir Keir Starmer refused to be drawn on requests for help from the Treasury to help meet the costs of compensation for a major data breach

The prime minister has said he is in "regular contact" with the chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) about funding shortages.

But Sir Keir Starmer refused to be drawn on requests by Stormont ministers for help from the Treasury to help meet the costs of compensation for a major data breach.

Last week BBC News NI revealed that the Treasury had turned down a fresh bid by Stormont's finance minister for £119m to deal with the bill.

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson raised the issue with Sir Keir during prime minister's questions.

He criticised the decision by the Treasury and called on the government to "think again".

The PM replied: "Can I reassure him I am in regular contact with the PSNI and Jon Boutcher about this."

He said the government had already provided additional funding for security challenges and that it remains a matter for the executive to set the PSNI's budget.