LIVE: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer takes questions in parliament

Agricultural inheritance tax relief doubled

The allowance for 100% rate relief increases from £1 million to £2 million, enabling couples to pass on up to £5 million tax-free when combined with existing nil rate band allowances.

Two-child benefit cap lifted for Northern Ireland

The policy change will assist over 17,000 children and 48,000 people in Northern Ireland households alongside minimum wage increases benefiting 170,000 workers and pension boosts for 330,000 retirees.

National insurance hikes defended as essential

Ministers justified the increase as necessary to address the previous government's economic inheritance and stabilize public finances, despite hospitality sector reports of losses and break-even operations.

£250 million defense growth deal announced

The five-year initiative aims to boost Northern Ireland's defense sector with ministers emphasizing supply chain inclusion and apprenticeships that leave participants over £100,000 better off after four years.

Windsor framework implementation struggles

Over half of businesses trading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland report difficulties with post-Brexit arrangements, while less than one in six benefit from promised dual market access according to Federation of Small Businesses data.

Regulatory support package for traders

A new £16.6 million budget allocation will establish a comprehensive one-stop shop regulatory support service to help small businesses navigate trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Cancer waiting times worst in UK

Northern Ireland continues to experience the poorest cancer outcomes nationally with red flag appointments exceeding 14 weeks, prompting calls for transformational funding from the public services transformation fund.

Education collaboration and integration

The government allocated £2 million to integrated education and is promoting school twinning programs focused on reading while sharing best practices on nurture provision and inclusive education.

Smartphone restrictions remain devolved

While supportive of reducing pupil smartphone use, ministers confirmed education policy including phone restrictions remains the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive rather than Westminster.

Veterans' legal protections clarified

Ministers rejected characterizations of immunity for veterans, stating the previous government's offer was false and emphasizing equality before the law alongside record armed forces pay rises.

Ongoing Republican paramilitary prosecutions

Six Republican paramilitaries currently face prosecution for Troubles-related killings, with the independent commission investigating atrocities including the M62 coach bombing and Guildford pub bombing.

Agent Stakeknife naming delayed

The government cited ongoing civil proceedings and Supreme Court judgment implications in the Thompson case as preventing immediate identification of the agent despite select committee recommendations.