Economy minister accuses SoS of 'mischief making' in social media exchange
Dr Caoimhe Archibald posted on X about a new one-off electricity bill reduction, which Sir Chris Bryant reposted saying the UK government funded it.
By BBC News
Northern Ireland’s economy minister has accused the secretary of state of “mischief making” after a social media row over a new electricity bill discount.
Dr Caoimhe Archibald posted on X about a one-off reduction in electricity bills announced on Thursday. Sir Chris Bryant then reposted it, saying: “I’m really glad that the UK government is funding this.”
Archibald told BBC Radio Ulster’s Talkback programme that she was “bemused and surprised” by the intervention. She said the British government had not originally intended the support to apply in Northern Ireland, and that officials had to argue for it and then design the scheme.
A UK government spokesperson said the Household Electricity Discount Scheme was funded through the prime minister’s commitment to remove VAT and some levies from electricity bills.
Archibald also said Sir Chris Bryant’s comments were “a little bit condescending” and that she was not sure what he was trying to achieve. She said she had not spoken to him personally since the exchange, but would continue focusing on budget negotiations.