{"id":305018,"date":"2025-07-30T22:21:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T22:21:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/305018\/"},"modified":"2025-07-30T22:21:13","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T22:21:13","slug":"uk-government-urged-to-reconsider-decision-to-cut-cash-for-peace-fund-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/305018\/","title":{"rendered":"UK Government urged to reconsider decision to cut cash for peace fund"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sinn F\u00e9in North Belfast MP John Finucane said he is concerned about the move\"SinnSinn Fein spokesperson John Finucane MP (Image: Liam McBurney\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n

The UK Government has been urged to reconsider its decision to cut its backing for a significant Irish peace fund.<\/a><\/p>\n

The Government confirmed it had decided not to continue with the \u00a31 million contribution to the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) in 2024-25, citing a \u201cvery challenging fiscal position\u201d.<\/p>\n

The IFI was originally set up by the UK and Irish governments as an independent international organisation in 1986.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Murder victim\u2019s brother dies days after receiving police apology<\/a>READ MORE: First Minister accused of \u2018trying to rewrite history of IRA campaign\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n

It delivers a range of peace and reconciliation initiatives across Northern Ireland and Irish border counties, including supporting communities to work towards removal of the remaining peace walls.<\/p>\n

Sinn F\u00e9in<\/a> North Belfast<\/a> MP John Finucane said he is concerned about the move, and said he will raise it directly with Secretary of State Hilary Benn.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is extremely concerning that the British Government is to cut funding for IFI,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIFI was established to promote peace, reconciliation and a better future for all communities across Ireland. Peace is hard-won and hard-fought. It can never be taken for granted, and crucial funds like this must continue to be supported.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe British Government should be increasing funding in light of the withdrawal of US support, not imposing further hardship.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will be writing to British Secretary of State Hilary Benn, calling for his Government to reverse this decision and ensure IFI can continue its vital grassroots-led programmes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Responding, a UK Government spokesperson said: \u201cThis Government inherited a very challenging fiscal position, and needed to take difficult but necessary decisions to place the public finances on a sustainable footing.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a result, the Government has decided not to continue with the \u00a31 million contribution to the International Fund for Ireland in 2024-25.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Government remains supportive of the IFI\u2019s aims of promoting peace and reconciliation.\u201d<\/p>\n

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