Martin McGuinness.
SINN Féin MLA Martin McGuinness said tonight it would be a huge mistake for the British government to attempt to impose its welfare cuts agenda over the heads of the Assembly and the Executive.
The Mid-Ulster MLA was speaking after British Secretary of State Theresa Villiers said her government would enact welfare cuts legislation if Assembly parties refuse to implement them.
Martin McGuinness said: “Any move by the British Government to impose its welfare cuts agenda over the heads of the Assembly and Executive will seriously undermine devolution and the political institutions.
“It would be a huge mistake.
“The Tory cuts agenda has led to increased hardship and poverty in Britain and will have the same impact on communities in the north of Ireland.
“It is wrong and unjust to punish those most in need. The parties supporting these Tory policies should reflect on the damage they will do to all our people.
“This Tory government appears to be willing to jeopardise years of political progress for its own narrow right wing agenda.”
