Sir Keir Starmer has been forced to deny that his powerful aide Sue Gray has caused Cabinet divisions over controversial plans to revamp a derelict stadium.
The Prime Minister said it was ‘complete nonsense’ to suggest his Chief of Staff had sparked a row by trying to drive through the £300million redevelopment of Casement Park in Northern Ireland.
He insisted the decision on the bailout would be ‘political’, following reports that Ms Gray had been dominating talks within Government and subverting ministers.
Casement Park in west Belfast has been earmarked to host five football matches when the UK and Ireland jointly host Euro 2028.
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But the former home of hurling and Gaelic football games has been closed for more than ten years and a huge amount of money is required for it to be ready in time for the tournament.
The Prime Minister (pictured) said it was ‘complete nonsense’ to suggest his Chief of Staff had sparked a row by trying to drive through the £300million redevelopment of Casement Park in Northern Ireland
Sir Keir insisted the decision on the bailout would be ‘political’, following reports that Sue Gray (pictured) had been dominating talks within Government and subverting ministers
The dilapidated sports ground has been earmarked to host five football matches at the 2028 European Championships , which is being hosted by the UK and Ireland
There are concerns the Belfast venue will miss out on staging games due to an ongoing row over the cost of refurbishment
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), which owns the site, says it will contribute £15million while the Northern Ireland Executive has offered £62million and the Irish government £43million, leaving a major shortfall.
The project is also politically contentious as Casement Park is in a republican neighbourhood and was the scene of an IRA atrocity when two British soldiers were beaten before being shot nearby.
Sir Keir made his first public comments on the stadium controversy involving his close ally Ms Gray yesterday on a visit to Northern Ireland.
Asked whether her involvement had caused divisions at Cabinet, Sir Keir Starmer told reporters: ‘That’s complete nonsense, I hope that’s clear enough.’
He went on: ‘The decision is a political decision. The key challenges at the moment, I think, are well known, particularly in Northern Ireland, which is the timing in relation to the Euros and the cost.’
Sir Keir added: ‘Obviously there’s a joint venture, the UK and Ireland together in relation to the Euros.
‘We want football played everywhere in support of those Euros. Casement Park, obviously, is important in that respect. In due course, we’ll be able to say more.’
