Devolved nations demand more cash support from Boris to support industries affected by Covid restrictions

The UK’s devolved administrations have ramped up their demands for more cash support in response to the rise in Omicron cases across the country.

The first ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have all pressed Boris Johnson for more financial aid as protective measures are being put in place across the three nations to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.

On Friday, a Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that a Cobra meeting with the devolved nations would go ahead over the weekend to discuss the response to the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

A spokesperson for the First Minister of Scotland said that during a phone call on Friday with the Prime Minister, Nicola Sturgeon had emphasised the “extreme urgency of the crisis” for businesses in the hospitality, events, culture and related sectors, which are already suffering a severe financial impact.

The spokesperson added: “The First Minister also made clear that the devolved administrations require clarity that additional funding support would be available, and also on how it can be triggered by any or all of the UK administrations, in the event of further protective measures being necessary to tackle the virus in the period ahead.”

Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Paul Givan, also spoke with Mr Johnson on Friday and said he had asked the Prime Minister for more economic support in response to cases rising.

Speaking after their conversation, he said: “During the discussion, there were a number of issues that were raised about having greater co-operation and working together.

“I also pressed the need for greater support from the Treasury because it is vital that those businesses that have already been impacted by the decisions that people have taken to reduce their own social contacts are given support, and that’s an issue that we’ll continue to make representation on to the Government.”

Earlier on Friday, the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, heavily criticised the UK Treasury and its attitude towards supporting devolved nations as Omicron cases continue to surge.

“Our ability to provide and sustain longer-term economic support during this new wave of this ongoing public health emergency is severely constrained by the current position of the UK Treasury and its refusal to open vital support schemes, such as furlough,” he said.

“These schemes should be available for all nations when they are needed and not just at the point when restrictions are introduced in England.”